JESUS: A  PASSION  PLAY 


MAX    EHRMANN    • 


Hi 


GIFT  OF 


JESUS 

A    PASSION     PLAY 


Max  Ehrmann  has  done  a  great  piece  of  dramatic  work. 
— Indianapolis  News. 

Possessing  all  the  glamour  and  color  of  the  oriental 
world  and  teeming  with  human  passions. — Pittsburg 
Press. 

More  than  anything  else,  what  I  like  about  it  is  its 
unrelenting  reality  and  brass  tackism.  From  beginning 
to  end  it  is  real. — Jack  London. 

A  grandly  conceived  religious  pageant  and  spectacle. — 
St.  Louis  Globe  Democrat. 

It  is  a  big  piece  of  work,  for  it  is  filled  with  many 
emotions  of  many  men. — Baltimore  American. 

It  is  human,  realistic,  and  dramatically  effective.  It 
is  a  daring  achievement. — Pittsburgh  Sun. 

I  have  enjoyed  many  an  artistic  moment  in  this  inter 
pretation.  I  wish  indeed  we  could  have  on  the  stage 
such  symphonic  effects  .  .  .  and  such  poetic  entrance- 
ments. — Israel  Zangwill. 

Wonderfully  simple  and  wonderfully  eloquent  and  com 
pelling. — Detroit  Times. 

There  is  a  kind  of  noble  agony  throughout  the  play 
that  puts  it  high  among  the  big  tragedies. — Rupert 
Hughes. 

It  is  marked  by  a  dignity  that  comports  with  its  tre 
mendous  subject. — New  York  Press. 

I  read  it  with  keen  appreciation  of  its  technical  work 
manship  and  its  high  poetic  value. — Bliss  Perry. 

It  is  a  finished  and  imposing  work. — Buffalo  Courier. 

The  relation  is  daring.  The  great  passion  play  at 
Ober  Ammergau  cannot  be  compared  to  it. — Trenton 
(N.  J.)  Times. 

An  impressive  and  reverent  work. — Boston  Globe. 
A  piece  of  work  beautifully  done. — Gale  Young  Rice. 


JESUS 

A  PASSION  PLAY 


BY 

MAX  EHRMANN 

Author  of  "The  Wife  of  Marobius,' 
"A  Prayer,"  "Poems,"  etc. 


NEW  YORK— LONDON 

TRADE  SELLING  AGENTS  IN  U.  S. 

THE  BAKER  &  TAYLOR  CO. 
NEW  YORK 


. 


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X \Sf 


Copyright,  1915 
BY  MAX  EHRMANN 


VAIL-BALLOU     COMPANY 
•  INOHAMTON   AND   NEW  YORK 


The  persons  who  founded  Christianity 
are  here  stripped  of  supernatural  embellish 
ment;  and  they  are  represented  as  simple, 
real,  ardent  Orientals  in  the  throes  of  a 
great  and  impending  tragedy. 


342290 


ACT  I.  THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 

ACT  II.  DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE. 

ACT  III.  GETHSEMANE. 

ACT   IV.  THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE. 

ACT     V.  THE  RESURRECTION. 


ACT  I 
THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE 


PERSONS  IN  ACT  I 


JESUS 

MARY,  a  Magdalene 

TERRENO,   Captain  of 

Roman  Guards 
CAIAPHAS,  High  Priest 
JOSES,  Jesus'  Brother 
MEIER,  a  Pharisee 
JACHIN,    an    Overseer 

the  Temple 
DAVID,  a  Damascene 
NATHAN,  a  Galilean 
JUDAS,         .  . 
PETER,  Disciples  of  Jesus 


the 


of 


JOSIAS,  j 

AMIEL,  f 


Priests 


Ljerusalemites 
Money 


ers 


ZARAH, 

JOSEPH 

KORA, 

DATHAN, 

JUBAL, 

SIMEON, 

JUDAH'       I  Scribes 
ZERA, 

SARAS,        J 

ELEAZAR, 

BENJAMIN, 

SALA, 

Booz, 

EZRA, 

JACOB, 


-Traders 


Temple  servants,  Roman  soldiers,  Phoenicians,  Jerusalem 

ites,  a  Gaulanite,  an  Egyptian  Jew,  a  Canaite, 

a  Caesarean,  and  many  others. 


ACT  I 

A  portion  of  the  Court  of  the  Gentiles  in  the 
Temple  at  Jerusalem.  At  back  are  quadruple 
rows  of  Corinthian  columns  and  a  balustrade. 
Except  a  long  table  at  right  the  Court  is  barren 
of  furnishings.  It  is  about  the  year  29,  a  Spring 
morning  before  the  Feast  of  the  Passover. 

[Five  Temple  servants  on  their  knees  are  mop 
ping  the  floor.~\ 

FIRST  SERVANT 
We  are  nearly  done. 

SECOND  SERVANT 

By  noon  the  floor  will  look  as  if  we  had  not 
touched  a  cloth  to  it. 

THIRD  SERVANT 

I  never  saw  so  many  persons.  All  the  streets 
are  crowded. 

FOURTH  SERVANT 
There  are  more  heathen  than  last  year. 

THIRD  SERVANT 
Yesterday  I  saw  a  good  many  Greeks. 


12  JESUS.   A  PASS-ION  PLAY 

FIRST  SERVANT 
Phoenicians  have  always  come  to  the  Passover. 

SECOND  SERVANT 
There  are  more  Arabians. 

FIRST  SERVANT 

No,  there  are  more  Phoenicians. 
FOURTH  SERVANT 
What  difference  does  it  make? 
THIRD  SERVANT 

It  does  not  make  any  difference.  They  are  all 
heathen. 

SECOND  SERVANT 
They  envy  us  our  God. 

THIRD  SERVANT 
Some  of  them  laugh  at  us. 

FIRST  SERVANT 
They  have  gods  of  their  own. 

SECOND  SERVANT 
But  they  do  not  believe  in  them. 

FOURTH  SERVANT 

How  could  they  believe  in  them?  They  are 
false  gods.  They  are  not  even  dead  gods.  They 
never  lived  at  all.  The  heathen  only  imagine 
that  they  lived. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      13 

SECOND  SERVANT 

How  can  the  uncircumcised  know  anything 
about  God? 

THIRD  SERVANT 

They  cannot.  The  uncircumcised  cannot  know 
anything  about  God. 

SECOND  SERVANT 
It  is  dreadful  to  be  uncircumcised. 

FOURTH  SERVANT 

I  am  an  old  man.  I  have  prayed  every  day 
since  I  was  a  boy  for  Messias  to  come.  Israel 
has  suffered  enough.  God  soon  will  see  that 
Israel  has  suffered  enough. 

FIRST  SERVANT 

Samuel,  do  you  think  the  judgment  of  the  Lord 
is  near? 

FIFTH  SERVANT 

I  do  not  think  of  it  at  all.  I  am  troubled  to 
day.  My  son  is  sick. 

THIRD  SERVANT 
Perhaps  he  has  sinned. 

FIFTH  SERVANT 
I  do  not  know  if  he  has  sinned. 

FIRST  SERVANT 

Rabbi  Joseph  says  it  will  be  another  seventy 
years  before  Messias  will  come. 


14  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

THIRD  SERVANT 
Some  say  it  will  be  less  than  fifty  years. 

FIFTH  SERVANT 

I  do  not  think  anybody  can  tell  how  long 
will  be. 

[Some  persons  are  passing  at  back.~\ 

FOURTH  SERVANT 

It  is  terrible  that  the  heathen  rule  over  us. 
was  not  so  in  the  days  of  our  forefathers. 

FIRST  SERVANT 

Night  before  last  I  saw  the  moon  sudde 
break  through  the  heavens,  like  a  great  piece 
gold  that  was  falling.  I  watched,  trembling,  1 
nothing  else  happened. 

FOURTH  SERVANT 
One  of  these  nights  God  will  send  Messias. 

SECOND  SERVANT 

He  will  be  a  fighter  that  the  Romans  cam 
withstand.     His  breast  will  be  like  stone,  and 
voice  like  the  roar  of  young  lions  on  the  mo 
tain. 

FIFTH  SERVANT 

Not  long  ago  someone  asked  a  son  of  Am 
when  Messias  would  come.  He  laughed  and  t< 
him  it  was  ridiculous. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      15 

FOURTH  SERVANT 
A  son  of  Annas  would  not  say  that. 

SECOND  SERVANT 

No,  he  would  not  say  that.  The  Sadducees 
do  not  talk  much. 

FIRST  SERVANT 
Neither  do  they  believe  much. 

THIRD  SERVANT 

My  father  told  me  it  would  happen  in  my  life 
if  I  lived  to  be  his  age.  He  was  an  old  man 
when  he  died. 

[Enter  Eleazar  and  Benjamin,  traders;  they 
approach  the  servants.'] 

SECOND  SERVANT 

It  will  be  wonderful  to  see  the  Romans  bow 
down  before  us. 

THIRD  SERVANT 

It  will  be  wonderful  to  hear  them  crying  out 
for  the  Holy  Law,  and  begging  for  circumcision. 

FOURTH  SERVANT 

The  Lord  is  watching.  He  will  crush  them. 
Messias  will  crush  them. 

ELEAZAR 

(Trader) 

Where  is  the  overseer? 


1 6  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

FOURTH  SERVANT 

We  have  not  seen  him.     He  has  not  been  here. 
ELEAZAR 

(Trader) 

\_To  Benjamin,  as  they  turn  away.}  The  poor 
have  great  faith.  Heard  you  the  old  man? 

BENJAMIN 

(Trader) 

It  is  their  only  treasure.  What  they  cannot 
have  now  they  dream  they  will  have  hereafter. 
[Pass  off.] 

[Other  persons  pass  in  and  out.  Some  sheep 
are  led  to  left  across  the  Court  at  back.~\ 

FIRST  SERVANT 

We  must  hurry.     The  people  are  coming. 
[Enter  Sala  and  Booz,  traders.'} 

SALA 
What  did  you  bring? 

Booz 

Sheep.  [More  sheep  are  led  to  left  across  the 
Court  at  back.}  Those  are  mine.  They  have 
grazed  till  now  on  the  plains  of  Sharon.  They 
will  bring  a  good  price. 

SALA 

My  oxen  are  not  placed.  [To  the  Temple 
servants.}  Where  is  the  overseer? 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      17 

FOURTH  SERVANT 
We  have  not  seen  him. 
[Re-enter  Eleazar  and  Benjamin,  traders.] 

SALA 
Eleazar,  where  is  the  overseer? 

ELEAZAR 
We  cannot  find  him. 

BENJAMIN 
This  is  our  great  day  for  trade  .... 

Booz 

Yet  we  are  standing  here  waiting  for  Temple 
officers. 

SALA 
We  pay  the  priests  rent  enough. 

ELEAZAR 

The  cheap  traders  on  the  roads  have  been  sell 
ing  for  an  hour. 

Booz 

Everything  will  soon  be  in  disorder  if  the  over 
seer  does  not  come. 

[Several  more  persons  enter;  some  of  whom 
approach  the  traders.] 

A  PERSON 
I  want  to  buy  a  sheep.     Where  are  the  sheep? 


i8  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

ANOTHER  PERSON 

I  came  early.  I  want  the  first  choice.  I  do 
not  want  what  the  people  leave. 

ANOTHER  PERSON 
I  do  not  see  the  oxen.     Where  are  the  oxen? 

BENJAMIN 

We  cannot  sell  till  the  overseer  comes.  The 
tenders  are  now  driving  in  the  animals.  Have 
patience. 

ANOTHER  PERSON 
I  want  doves.     Where  are  the  dove  sellers? 

Booz 

We  do  not  know  anything  about  dove  sellers. 
We  sell  oxen  and  sheep. 

ANOTHER  PERSON 

I  have  no  Temple  money.  Where  are  the 
money  changers? 

BENJAMIN 

We  do  not  know.     Go  away ! 
[Enter  Jachin,  overseer  of  the  sacrifices.] 

FOURTH  SERVANT 

[Calling  to  the  traders]  Here  is  the  over 
seer! 

[The  traders,  impatient,  all  trying  to  talk  at 
the  same  time,  confront  Jachin.~\ 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      19 

BENJAMIN 

I  have  oxen.  Give  me  a  place.  The  people 
are  clamoring. 

SALA 
I  have  oxen. 

Booz 

I  have  sheep.     They  are  in  the  Court. 

ELEAZAR 

I  have  sheep.  Quickly,  Overseer,  give  me  a 
place. 

JACHIN 
[Pushing  them  back.]      Patience,  patience! 

A  PERSON 
Where  are  the  money  changers? 

ANOTHER  PERSO>* 

We  cannot  buy  sacrifice  for  the  Feast  with 
heathen  money.  Everybody  ought  to  know  that. 
Where  are  the  money  changers  to  give  us  Temple 
money? 

ANOTHER  PERSON 
I  want  doves.     Where  are  the  doves? 

JACHIN 

It  is  early.     Everybody  be  patient! 
[Tables  are  brought  in  for  the  money  chan 
gers.'] 


20  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

JACHIN 

They  are  bringing  in  the  tables  of  the  changers. 
[To  the  traders.'}  Come,  I  will  give  you  places 
for  your  animals.  [All  hasten  toward  back.] 

[More  traders  enter  leading  sheep  across  the 
Court  at  back.  Almost  a  continuous  stream  of 
persons  is  coming  in  and  another  going  out.  The 
Court  is  fairly  crowded  now.  There  is  begin 
ning  to  be  confusion.  Several  dove  sellers  enter 
carrying  wicker  cages  filled  with  doves.  They 
take  their  stand  on  the  left  side  of  the  Court,  back 
of  the  tables  of  the  money  changers,  and  begin 
to  arrange  their  cages. ] 

DOVE  SELLER 

[To  persons  crowding  around  him.]  Wait 
until  I  am  ready.  There  will  be  enough  for 
everybody. 

ANOTHER  DOVE  SELLER 

Wait  until  the  money  changers  come.  We 
cannot  change  heathen  money,  we  are  not  allowed 
to.  ... 

ANOTHER  DOVE  SELLER 
Where  are  the  money  changers? 

ANOTHER  DOVE  SELLER 

The  holy  money  will  be  here  soon.  I  think 
the  changers  are  coming. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      21 
JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

[Shouting  near  the  balustrade  at  back.'}  No 
more  sheep  this  way!  Bring  them  in  with  the 
oxen  at  the  Cipunus  Gate !  I  will  not  have  any 
more  sheep  brought  this  way. 

[Several  Phoenicians  are  seen  at  front  near  the 
dove  sellers.'} 

FIRST  PHOENICIAN 
The  Jews  are  a  noisy  people. 

SECOND  PHOENICIAN 

They  are  more  noisy  than  the  Syrians  at 
Hierapolis  in  the  worship  of  their  goddess. 

THIRD  PHOENICIAN 

You  would  think  you  were  in  the  midst  of  a 
Damascus  fair. 

SECOND  PHOENICIAN 
Why  are  they  so  impatient? 

FOURTH  PHOENICIAN 

Each  wants  to  buy  first,  in  order  to  get  the  best 
animals  for  sacrifice. 

SECOND  PHOENICIAN 

What  difference  does  it  make  if  the  animals  are 
for  sacrifice? 


22  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

FIRST  PHCENICIAN 

They  eat  them  afterwards.  The  rich  buy  oxen 
and  sheep,  the  poor  buy  doves,  and  the  very  poor 
buy  meal,  for  sacrifice. 

SECOND  PHOENICIAN 

Is  their  god  a  bloodthirsty  god  to  require  so 
much  sacrifice? 

FIRST  PHOENICIAN 
I  do  not  know  anything  about  their  god. 

SECOND  PHOENICIAN 

Perhaps  they  are  afraid  of  him,  and  are  try 
ing  to  appease  him. 

FIRST  PHOENICIAN 

I  think  they  are  trying  to  get  him  to  do  some 
thing  for  them. 

THIRD  PHOENICIAN 

They  are  expecting  great  things  of  their  god. 
But  I  think  he  must  hunt  a  great  deal  and  pay 
very  little  attention  to  them,  for  they  are  always 
crying  out  to  him  and  giving  him  blood. 

FIRST  PHOENICIAN 

They  are  expecting  him  to  send  a  great  general 
from  the  sky  to  conquer  the  world  for  them. 

SECOND  PHOENICIAN 
How  foolish! 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     23 

[Now  and  then  the  bleating  of  sheep  and  the 
lowing  of  oxen  may  be  heard.  Everybody  is 
chattering  and  moving  about  or  trafficking  with 
the  traders.  The  money  changers  enter  carrying 
bags  of  money,  which  they  place  on  the  tables. 
The  crowd  gathers  around  them.'] 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

Stand  back !     Everybody  will  be  served. 
DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

I  am  ready.  .  .  .  But  not  so  fast!  I  cannot 
serve  two  persons  at  a  time. 

A  PERSON 
I  have  Tyrian  and  Grecian  money. 

JUBAL 

(Money  Changer) 

I  can  change  the  Grecian  money.  Dathan 
there  will  weigh  the  Tyrian. 

A  PERSON 
You  are  charging  me  too  much  exchange. 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

It  is  the  regular  rate.     What  do  you  expect? 


24  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

[Scales  in  hand,  balancing  various  coins.~] 
Tyrian  money  is  soft.  It  wears  quickly.  If  it 
is  old  it  cannot  be  of  full  measure.  This  money 
is  lacking  in  weight.  Look  at  the  scales.  Do 
they  balance? 

JUBAL 

(Money  Changer) 

[Calling  out.']  I  can  provide  Tribute  money. 
All  who  have  not  paid  the  half-shekel  Temple 
Tribute!  .  .  . 

A  PERSON 

You  have  not  given  me  back  enough  money. 
JUBAL 

(Money  Changer) 

We  charge  one-fourth  denar  on  every  half- 
shekel. 

THE  PERSON 

I  cannot  see  why  we  should  pay  so  much. 
JUBAL 

(Money  Changer) 

The  rate  is  correct.  It  is  fixed  by  the  Council. 
We  pay  rent  for  the  privilege  of  changing  in  the 
Temple.  Stand  aside,  others  are  waiting. 

A  YOUTH 
Give  me  enough  for  three  oxen.     My  father 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     25 

and  uncles  are  waiting  yonder  near  the  cattle.     I 
am  in  a  hurry. 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

[Giving  him  coin.]  The  exchange  is  less  for 
large  amounts. 

[Overseer  Jachin,  followed  by  traders,  pushes 
through  the  crowd.] 

EZRA 

(Trader) 

Last  year  my  sheep  stood  here  in  this  corner. 

JACHIN 

You  will  stand  your  sheep  on  the  north  side. 
Look  [pointing  to  the  left],  many  droves  of  sheep 
and  oxen  are  already  on  this  side.  There  must 
be  a  passage  left  for  the  people.  I  will  not  have 
the  people  crowded.  They  must  have  room  to 
inspect  the  lambs  and  oxen. 

EZRA 

(Trader) 

Come,  show  me  where  I  shall  stand  on  the 
north  side.  Shall  I  bring  my  sheep  through  here? 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

Bring  them  in  at  the  Cipunus  Gate.  Have 
your  sheep  been  examined? 


26  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

EZRA 

(Trader) 

Here  are  the  certificates. 
JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

Show  them  to  the  keeper  of  the  gate  where 
you  bring  them  in. 

[They  disappear  in  the  crowd.  Three  priests 
emerge  and  place  themselves  behind  the  long  table 
at  right.  Each  opens  a  large  book.'} 

JosiAS 

(Priest) 

[Calling  out  above  the  noise.]  We  will  re 
ceive  the  Temple  Tribute  1  Those  who  have 
not  paid!  .  .  .  The  Temple  Tribute!  .  .  .  The 
Temple  Tribute!  .  .  . 

[Many  crowd  around  and  pay,  the  priests  re 
cording  their  names.] 

A  GAULANITE 

[To  a  dove  seller]  This  dove  is  poor.  I 
want  a  fat  one. 

JACOB 

(Dove  Seller) 

It  is  as  fat  as  any. 

THE  GAULANITE 
I  will  not  have  it.     Let  me  see  that  one. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      27 
JACOB 

(Dove  Seller) 

I  will  not  take  it  out.  This  one  is  as  good  as 
any.  They  all  have  been  well  fed. 

THE  GAULANITE 
I  will  not  take  it. 

JACOB 

(Dove  Seller) 

They  are  all  alike.  We  sell  them  as  we  take 
them  out  of  the  cages,  one  after  another. 

AN  OLD  MAN 
I  want  five  doves. 

A  DOVE  SELLER 
This  is  Syrian  money.     I  cannot  take  it. 

OLD  MAN 
Is  it  not  good  silver? 

DOVE  SELLER 

I  do  not  know.  Have  it  changed  at  one  of 
the  changers'  tables.  I  do  not  understand  heathen 
moneys. 

OLD  MAN 

They  charge  exchange.  You  understand  Syrian 
money.  It  is  the  only  piece  of  coin  I  have. 
Come,  no  one  will  see  us.  Or  should  anyone  see 
us,  you  can  call  a  changer  and  have  it  changed. 


28  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

DOVE  SELLER 

I  will  not  take  heathen  money.  Take  it  to  one 
of  the  changers.  There,  Dathan  is  now  idle  a 
moment. 

OLD  MAN 

[Walking  away.']  How  the  servants  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  have  grown  in  greed ! 

DOVE  SELLER 

[To  old  man.]  Perhaps  you  have  grown 
childish. 

[Now  and  then  a  Pharisee  pauses  in  a  corner 
long  enough  to  repeat  his  prayers;  a  few  of  the 
busy  purchasers  and  heathen  sightseers  looking  on 
a  moment.] 

A  ROMAN  SOLDIER 

[Walking  with  two  other  Roman  soldiers.'] 
Look.  .  .  .  Isn't  that  Terreno  coming? 

SECOND  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
It  is. 

THIRD  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
How  long  has  he  been  captain  of  the  guards? 

FIRST  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
He  was  here  when  I  came. 

THIRD  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
There  is  a  woman  with  him. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      29 

FIRST  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
She  meets  him  here  every  year  during  the  Feast. 

SECOND  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
She  is  beautiful.     Who  is  she?  ...  a  Jewess? 

THIRD  ROMAN  SOLDIER 

Such  hair  does  not  grow  on  the  head  of  a  gen 
tile. 

FIRST  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
She  is  from  Magdala. 

SECOND  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
Magdala?     Where  is  that? 

FIRST  ROMAN  SOLDIER 

I  do  not  know.  I  only  know  that  Terreno  told 
Artius  that  her  name  was  Mary  and  that  she  was 
from  Magdala.  Artius  says  that  Terreno  is  not 
happy  in  his  love,  the  Jewess  has  another  lover. 

SECOND  ROMAN  SOLDIER 
They  are  coming  this  way,  let  us  pass  on. 
[Now  and  then,  when   there  is  a  momentary 
lull  in  the  wrangling  of  the  traders,  the  jingling  of 
the  coins,  the  jargon  of  the  many  languages  and 
dialects,  the  lowing  of  the  oxen  and  the  bleating 
of  the  sheep,  there  may  be  heard,  coming  from 
the   Inner   Court,    the   long,    low   chants    of   the 
Levites  and  the  prayers  of  the  priests.] 


30  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

Have  I  spoken  words  that  hurt  you,  Magda 
lene? 

MARY 
Your  words  are  full  of  fire,  I  fear  the  fire. 

TERRENO 

It  is  wonderful  to  play  with  fire  as  you  and  I 
have  played  with  it. 

MARY 

I  will  not  think  of  pleasures  that  are  gone. 

TERRENO 

On  yonder  mountain  you  and  I  have  watched 
the  sun  go  down.  .  .  . 

MARY 

And  the  moon  rise  up —  No,  no,  I  will  not 
think  of  it !  I  will  think  only  of  my  soul. 

TERRENO 

In  the  shadow  of  the  trees  I  held  you  close  to 
me.  I  twined  a  wreath  of  olive  blossoms  for 
your  head.  I  let  down  your  hair.  You  looked 
like  a  barbarian  princess  in  some  far  off  wood. 

MARY 

Do  not  tempt  me.  I  am  still  weak.  I  will  not 
think  of  it.  I  will  not  think  of  pleasures  that 
are  gene. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      31 

TERRENO 

We  can  live  them  all  again,  Magdalene. 

MARY 
Your  thoughts  are  evil  in  the  house  of  God. 

TERRENO 

Look  at  these  traders  and  money  changers  in 
the  house  of  your  God.  They  are  like  men  in 
battle  that  strike  with  spears  the  faces  of  their 
enemies.  Or  they  are  like  thieves  that  enter  at 
night  when  the  master  of  the  house  sleeps. 

MARY 

They  are  evil.     They  think  of  this  world. 

TERRENO 

On  the  mountain  the  almond  blossoms  are 
breaking  into  bloom,  and  the  olive  trees  send  out 
young  leaves  of  tender  green.  Let  us  leave  this 
place,  and  climb  again  our  mountain  of  lost  pleas 
ures.  Perhaps,  Magdalene,  we  shall  find  them 
all  again. 

MARY 

Find  some  other  woman  to  hunt  with  you  for 
lost  pleasures.  I  now  hunt  eternal  pleasures. 

TERRENO 
Are  you  waiting  for  some  other  lover? 

MARY 
O,  yes!   .   .  .  some  other  lover. 


32  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

Who  is  he  that  takes  your  love  from  me?  In 
Rome  men  kill  for  the  theft  of  love.  I  will  not 
give  you  up. 

MARY 
His  love  is  not  like  yours. 

TERRENO 

Are  his  lips  redder  than  mine  with  the  thirst 
of  desire? 

MARY 

Never  have  his  lips  touched  mine.  Nothing  in 
the  world  is  as  pure  as  are  his  lips. 

TERRENO 

Perhaps  it  is  his  hair.  .  .  .  Perhaps  his  hair 
is  blacker  than  the  wings  of  a  bird  in  the  night. 
Or  is  it  waving  gold,  like  moonlight  quivering  on 
a  river?  Have  you  trembled  as  you  stroked  his 
hair? 

MARY 
No  woman's  hand  has  stroked  his  hair. 

TERRENO 

Or  do  his  eyes  tell  you  of  some  new  joy  in  the 
woods  when  it  is  night? 

MARY 

They  tell  of  joy  in  other  worlds. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      33 

TERRENO 

Other  worlds!  .  .  .  Come,  come,  your  talk  is 
wild.  .  .  .  How  can  you  give  yourself  to  one  who 
does  not  woo? 

MARY 

I  would  follow  him  through  this  world  and 
through  another. 

TERRENO 

Perhaps  if  I,  like  your  priests,  should  put  on 
grand  manners.  .  .  . 

MARY 
He  puts  on  none. 

TERRENO 
Is  he  a  Jew? 

MARY 

Every  man  is  his  brother. 

TERRENO 

You  are  talking  like  a  woman  who  has  drunk 
too  much  wine. 

MARY 
I  stagger  with  the  wine  of  his  spirit. 

TERRENO 
Show  him  to  me. 

MARY 
Wait  here  and  you  shall  look  on  him. 


34  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

O,  I  remember  now  that  you  once  told  me  of 
a  foolish  prophet. 

MARY 

Do  not  mock  him.  Your  eyes  have  not  yet 
looked  upon  his  face.  ...  I  hear  shouting  be 
low  in  the  valley !  It  may  be  he.  I  am  sure  it  is 
he.  He  is  coming. 

TERRENO 

There  is  so  much  noise  here,  how  can  you  tell 
the  sound  is  from  the  valley? 

MARY 

I  am  sure  he  is  coming.  Let  us  look  into  the 
valley.  Come.  .  .  .  Come!  [She  goes  toward 
the  balustrade  at  back,  Terreno  following.  They 
disappear  in  the  crowd.~\ 

[A  group  of  scribes  comes  forward,  discussing.'] 

A  YOUNG  MAN 

Rabbi,  is  my  wife  permitted  to  bake  bread  on 
the  Passover? 

SIMEON 

(Scribe) 

Not  thick  loaves. 

JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

She  may  bake  thick  loaves  if  she  likes. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      35 
ZERA 

(Scribe) 

Granting  that  she  may  bake  bread  but  not  thick 
loaves,  the  question  arises  how  thick  may  the 
loaves  be  without  outraging  the  Holy  Law. 

SIMEON 
She  may  bake  bread  the  thickness  of  one  span. 

JUDAH 
I  cannot  see  why  you  say  "  one  span." 

SIMEON 

I  reason  thus,  the  shew  bread  is  one  span.  It 
is  permissible  to  bake  it  on  the  Passover.  There 
fore  your  wife  may  bake  common  bread  on  the 
Passover  if  it  is  no  thicker  than  a  span. 

JUDAH 

Your  reasoning  is  clear  but  wrong.  What  is 
there  in  common  between  shew  bread  and  ordi 
nary  bread?  The  shew  bread  belongs  to  the 
priests;  but  common  bread  belongs  to  ordinary 
people. 

SARAS 

And  furthermore,  in  baking  shew  bread  only 
dry  wood  is  used,  while  in  baking  ordinary  bread 
damp  wood  may  be  used.  That,  it  seems  to  me, 
is  the  great  difference  between  the  two  breads. 


36  JESUS:  A  PASSION  PLAY 

JUDAH 

And  still  further,  for  shew  bread  an  iron  stove 
is  used,  while  ordinary  bread  may  be  baked  in 
an  earthen  oven.  Therefore,  Rabbi  Simeon,  I 
cannot  see  how  you  can  compare  the  two  breads. 
They  have  absolutely  nothing  to  do  with  each 
other. 

SIMEON 

I  shall  quote  Rabbi  Jose,  who  was  Rabbi  bar 
Alba's  master,  who  was  my  master.  Rabbi  Jose 
says  thick  loaves  may  be  baked.  By  thick  loaves, 
he  says,  is  meant  large  quantities  of  dough. 

SARAS 
Can  you  not  see,  Rabbi  Simeon,  that.  .  .  . 

THE  YOUNG  MAN 

[Interrupting.]  Pardon,  Rabbi,  my  wife  is 
calling  me,  I  cannot  wait  for  the  answer. 

[They  continue  discussing  as  they  retire  into 
the  crowd.] 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

[To  a  group  of  persons  arguing  before  his 
table.']  This  is  no  place  for  arguments.  You 
are  obstructing  the  passage  to  my  table.  Stand 
aside ! 

[The  group,  still  arguing,  moves  to  the  front.] 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     37 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

It  is  strange  that  I  have  never  heard  of  him. 
I  have  heard  of  all  the  false  prophets  since  the 
days  of  Herod. 

A  JERUSALEMITE 
For  my  part  I  have  no  interest  in  new  prophets. 

SECOND  JERUSALEMITE 
Where  is  he  from? 

JUDAS 
Nazareth. 

THIRD  JERUSALEMITE 
Where  is  Nazareth? 

JUDAS 

In  Galilee,  on  the  Great  Road  that  crosses  the 
Jordan  below  the  Sea  of  Galilee. 

A  CESAREAN 

It  is  near  where  I  live.  I  have  been  there. 
It  is  a  dirty  little  town  wherein  are  several  pot 
teries  and  a  dyeworks. 

SECOND  JERUSALEMITE 
How  can  a  prophet  come  from  such  a  place? 

JUDAS 

Cannot  the  Lord  raise  up  a  prophet  where  he 
will?  Many  persons  already  believe  in  him,  and 


38  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

the  followers  of  John  the  Baptist  have  come  to 
him. 

AN  EGYPTIAN  JEW 
John  the  Baptist  —  who  is  he? 

JUDAS 
He  was  a  great  prophet. 

FIRST  JERUSALEMITE 
I  have  never  heard  of  him. 

SECOND  JERUSALEMITE 
Nor  I.     Was  he  likewise  a  Nazarene? 

JUDAS 

He  lived  in  the  wilderness  and  fasted  long  and 
prayed  much.  Some  said  he  was  Elijah  come  a 
second  time. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

Was  it  not  he  that  was  put  to  death  by  the 
Tetrarch? 

JUDAS 
Herod  slew  him.     He  cut  off  his  head. 

A  CANAITE 

It  is  horrible! 

JUDAS 

John  taught  the  coming  of  Messias  and  the 
judgment  of  the  people.  He  commanded  the 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     39 

people  to  repent  before  it  is  too  late.  But  the 
people  did  not  pay  any  attention  to  him.  Now 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  has  come.  He  is  a  greater 
prophet  than  John. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

What  does  he  prophesy? 

JUDAS 

He  likewise  prophesies  the  judgment  of  the 
Lord,  that  Daniel  and  Enoch  told  of,  when  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  will  melt  before  the  anger 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  wicked  be  slain,  and  the  .  .  . 

SECOND  JERUSALEMITE 

[Interrupting.]  I  have  heard  these  prophecies 
since  childhood.  My  father  before  me  heard 
them  from  his  childhood.  But  the  heavens  con 
tinue  as  they  were,  and  the  earth  is  not  melted 
away. 

JUDAS 

You  will  believe  when  you  have  heard  Jesus 
of  Nazareth. 

FIRST  JERUSALEMITE 
Is  that  his  name? 

JUDAS 

Yes. 


40  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

THIRD  JERUSALEMITE 

There  are  in  the  Temple  this  morning  not  fewer 
than  a  hundred  men  named  Jesus.  A  prophet, 
I  have  always  thought,  should  have  a  grand 
name. 

THE  EGYPTIAN  JEW 
Has  he  any  followers? 

JUDAS 

Many  in  Cana,  and  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  in 
Capernaum,  Bethsaida,  and  other  places,  have  be 
lieved  in  him. 

THE  EGYPTIAN  JEW 

In  Alexandria  we  do  not  have  new  prophets. 
We  have  a  good  many  philosophers.  But  they 
are  harmless.  They  do  not  stir  up  the  people. 
They  sit  and  think  and  do  not  say  very  much. 

FIRST  JERUSALEMITE 

The  Galileans  are  simple-minded;  they  believe 
anyone.  In  Jerusalem  we  do  not  believe  every 
person  who  says  strange  things. 

THE  CANAITE 

I  am  from  Galilee.  I  have  heard  Jesus  of 
Nazareth  teach.  But  I  do  not  believe  what  he 
says.  He  thinks  the  end  of  the  world  is  near, 
and  that  God  very  soon  will  send  Messias.  I 
think  he  believes  he  himself  is  Messias.  But  I 
have  not  heard  him  say  so. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     41 
MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

It  is  ridiculous. 

JUDAS 

Wait  until  you  have  heard  him  speak,  and  have 
seen  him  do  wonderful  things. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

Has  he  done  anything  wonderful? 

JUDAS 

I  will  tell  you  one  thing  wonderful  that  he  has 
done.  It  happened  on  the  Sea  of  Galilee.  He 
had  been  teaching  until  darkness  came;  then 
we  .... 

MEIER 

[Interrupting.]  "We"?  Whom  do  you 
mean? 

JUDAS 

His  disciples.  I  am  one  of  them.  .  .  .  Then 
we  took  a  boat  to  pass  to  the  other  side.  A  storm 
arose.  The  waves  beat  upon  our  boat,  as  if  eager 
to  drag  us  into  the  sea.  The  wind  moaned  like 
the  cries  of  dying  men.  We  were  afraid.  We 
awoke  him,  for  he  was  asleep  in  the  stern  of  the 
boat.  He  stood  up  erect,  and  cursed  the  wind, 
and  bade  the  sea  be  still.  After  a  time  the  sea 
obeyed,  and  peace  lay  over  the  waters.  When 


42  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

we  saw  these  things,  we  looked  upon  him  in  fear. 
Of  himself  no  man  can  command  the  sea. 

THE  CANAITE 

I  have  heard  this  same  thing  told  of  Jesus  of 
Nazareth. 

THE  EGYPTIAN  JEW 
No  doubt  the  storm  had  spent  itself. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

Only  Beelzebub  can  command  the  sea. 
[Other  persons  join  the  group  and  stand  listen 
ing.'] 

JUDAS 

How  can  you  understand  till  you  have  followed 
him  as  I  have  followed  him? 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

You  are  young,  and  young  men  are  always  quick 
to  believe  new  things. 

JUDAS 

He  has  healed  the  sick  and  driven  devils  from 
many  persons. 

SECOND  JERUSALEMITE 

They   that   practice   magic   can   do   the    same. 
Does  he  heal  all  the  sick  that  come  to  him? 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     43 

JUDAS 

Not  all.  Some  do  not  have  faith  enough.  He 
refuses  to  heal  them  if  they  do  not  have  faith 
enough.  Only  a  few  days  ago  at  Bethany  he 
performed  the  greatest  miracle  that  can  be  per 
formed. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

I  have  not  heard  of  it. 

FIRST  JERUSALEMITE 
Nor  I. 

SECOND  JERUSALEMITE 

I  don't  think  anybody  has  heard  of  anything 
remarkable  happening  at  Bethany. 

JUDAS 

He  raised  a  man  from  the  dead. 
[They  all  laugh.'] 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

What  was  his  name? 

JUDAS 
Lazarus. 

SECOND  JERUSALEMITE 

Saw  you  this  Lazarus  who  was  raised  from 
the  dead? 


44  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

JUDAS 

I  saw  him  afterward. 

THIRD  JERUSALEMITE 

Saw  you  him  when  he  was  dead? 
JUDAS 

No,  but  everything  was  told  me  when  I  came 
later  to  Bethany.  They  told  me  Jesus  stood  be 
fore  the  dead  man's  cave,  and  groaned  within 
himself,  and  cried  aloud,  "  Lazarus,  come  out," 
and  he  arose  and  came  out.  He  that  can  raise 
the  dead  is  more  than  a  man.  It  may  be  he  is 
Messias. 

[The  crowd  laughs  again.'] 

ONE  IN  THE  CROWD 
You  yourself  are  sick  with  a  devil. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

Did  your  prophet  himself  tell  you  this  tale? 

JUDAS 
He  did  not  tell  me  anything. 

THE  EGYPTIAN  JEW 
You  need  a  physician. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

You  are  young.  Have  care  with  what  folly 
you  fill  your  youthful  days.  I  am  a  Pharisee.  I 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     45 

believe  the  dead  will  arise.  I  am  surer  of  it  than 
anything  in  the  world.  But  this  fellow  Jesus 
never  raised  anybody. 

JUDAS 

[Indignant.]  Before  the  sun  has  gone  down 
seven  times,  you  shall  all  see  the  new  judge  on 
the  throne  of  Israel. 

[Another  outburst  of  laughter.] 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

Bring  your  prophet  to  a  trial  of  his  power. 
Let  us  see  if  he  is  indeed  Messias. 

[Loud,  angry  voices  have  risen  at  back,  near 
the  oxen  and  sheep  traders.  The  persons  around 
Judas  turn  toward  the  noise,  and  disappear  in 
the  crowd] 

A  YOUNG  MAN 

[To  Judas,  standing  alone]  Do  not  again  tell 
that  story  about  Lazarus.  Father  Meier  is  right. 
Jesus  never  raised  anybody  from  the  dead. 

JUDAS 
Do  you  know  Jesus? 

THE  YOUNG  MAN 
I  am  his  brother. 

JUDAS 
You  —  his  brother ! 


46  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

THE  YOUNG  MAN 

Yes,  I  am  Joses.  It  pained  me  to  hear  them 
laugh  at  you. 

JUDAS 
Do  you  know  what  things  Jesus  is  teaching? 

JOSES 
Only  evil  will  come  of  them. 

JUDAS 
And  your  mother  —  what  says  she? 

JOSES 

Her  heart  breaks  for  him.  A  terrible  thought 
has  seized  upon  him.  We  think  he  believes  he 
is  the  Son  of  Man  told  of  by  the  prophet  Daniel. 
When  my  mother  and  my  brothers  speak  to  him, 
his  eyes  look  far  off,  and  he  moans  within  him 
self,  and  says  strange  words.  We  never  could 
understand  very  well  what  he  was  talking  about. 

JUDAS 

Have  you  heard  of  his  deeds  of  wonder? 
Surely  no  man  of  himself  can  drive  out  devils 
and  heal  the  sick. 

JOSES 

We  have  heard  that  he  has  performed  miracles. 
But  we  have  not  seen  him  perform  any.  It  has 
been  told  us  that  some  of  his  followers  say  he  is 
John  the  Baptist  arisen  from  the  dead,  others  that 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     47 

he  is  Elijah.     But  all  the  while  we  know  he  is 
only  our  brother. 

JUDAS 

When  we  were  at  Caesarea  Philippi  he  was  an 
gered  by  the  heathen  and  their  many  gods.  Some 
say  there  are  as  many  gods  there  as  persons.  It 
was  there  he  told  us  that  he  also  was  a  god,  the 
son  of  the  living  God,  Messias. 

JOSES 
^Astonished.']      Said  he  that? 

JUDAS 

It  was  thus :  we,  being  urged  by  Peter,  called 
him  Messias.  He  did  not  deny  it.  He  seemed 
pleased.  His  anger  disappeared.  But  he  told 
us  not  to  tell  anyone,  and  he  talked  to  us  a  long 
time  —  near  the  third  watch  of  the  night  —  about 
the  kingdom. 

JOSES 

He  has  devils.  He  is  lost.  Can  you  not  see 
that  he  has  devils?  .  .  . 

JUDAS 
Do  not  say  that. 

JOSES 

Tell  him  to  come  home  with  us  after  the  Feast. 
There  will  be  work  for  him.  He  was  a  good 
carpenter.  It  may  be  that  work  will  drive  out 


48  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

the  devils.  I  have  heard  of  such  things.  Our 
neighbors  do  not  speak  to  us  of  him  any  more. 
They  do  not  want  to  make  us  feel  ashamed. 

[The  crowd  of  quarreling  men  at  back  pushes 
forward,  drowning  the  voices  of  Judas  and  loses, 
and  jostling  them  out  of  the  way.  There  is  con 
fusion  throughout. ] 

JOSEPH 

(Silversmith) 

[Backing  away.~]  He  struck  me!  I  was  lead 
ing  away  my  sheep.  .  .  . 

Booz 

(Trader) 

[Being  held  back  by  several  persons.']  He  is 
a  thief,  he  tried  to  steal  one  of  my  sheep !  Take 
your  hands  off  me ! 

BENJAMIN 

(Trader) 

Thieves  should  be  driven  from  the  Temple ! 
JACOB 

(Dove   Seller) 

Drive  him  out ! 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

[Pushing  into  their  midst.'}  Who  is  it  that 
has  dishonored  the  Temple  by  theft? 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     49 
Booz 

(Trader) 

There  he  stands! 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Drive  him  out! 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

He  should  be  taken  to  prison.     I  will  call  the 
guards. 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
No,  no!  ... 

JOSEPH 

(Silversmith) 

I    am   no   thief.     I   paid   for  the   sheep.     He 
urged  me  to  pay  a  second  time ! 

A  JERUSALEMITE 
I  know  this  man,  he  is  no  thief. 

ANOTHER 

And  I  know  him.     He  is  a  silversmith  by  the 
Upper  Market  on  Zion. 

SEVERAL  OTHERS 
And  I  know  him,  and  I !   .  .  . 
JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

Booz    says    he    is    a    thief.      [Calling    aloud.] 
Guards,  guards! 


50  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

[Several  Temple  guards  appear.      The  crowd 
grows  larger.'] 

NATHAN 

(Galilean) 

You  dare  not  arrest  him! 
JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

Who  are  you  to  tell  me  what  I  dare  not  do  ? 

A  PERSON 

We  will   appeal  to   the  High  Priest  and  the 
Council ! 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Silence ! 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 
Shame,  shame ! 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Silence ! 

[Eleazar,  trader,  approaching  Booz,  whispers 
into  his  ear,  also  into  the  ear  of  Josias.] 

JOSEPH 

(Silversmith) 

There,  .   .  .  that  man    [pointing   to  Eleazar] 
was  standing  by  when  I  paid  him ! 
JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Let  the  traders  go  back  to  their  animals. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     51 

[  The  traders,  pushing  through  the  dense  crowd 
standing  around  Joseph,  return  to  their  sheep  and 
oxenJ\ 

JOSEPH 

I  paid  for  the  sheep. 

A  PERSON 
Where  is  your  sheep? 

JOSEPH 
They  took  it  from  me. 

AN  OLD  MAN 

The  greed  of  the  traders  grows  like  poisonous 
weeds  in  a  swamp. 

NATHAN 

(Galilean) 

We  from  Galilee  suffer  very  much  from  these 
lovers  of  money.  We  despise  them. 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

Here  in  the  house  of  God,  where  we  have  come 
from  many  places  to  worship,  we  see  good  men 
robbed  and  beaten. 

A  PERSON 
A  dove  seller  cursed  me. 

A  JERUSALEMITE 

A  money  changer  struck  me  as  one  would  a 
dog.  The  priests  protect  them.  They  pay  the 


52  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

priests  a  lot  of  money  for  the  privilege  of  rob 
bing  the  people  in  the  Temple.  Persons  living 
in  Jerusalem  know  that  is  true.  But  they  do 
not  say  anything.  They  are  afraid  to  say  any 
thing. 

ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

In  the  time  of  our  grandfathers  all  the  buying 
and  selling  was  done  outside  the  Temple,  beyond 
the  Shushan  Gate,  where  the  small  traders  now 
sell.  I  have  heard  old  men  speak  of  it. 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

It  should  be  done  there  still. 
NATHAN 

(Galilean) 

We  are  cowards.  If  we  had  the  blood  of  our 
fathers!  .  .  . 

ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

[Interrupting.]  Speak  not  so  loud,  lest  you 
be  overheard,  and  we  who  have  taken  the  part 
of  Joseph  be  driven  from  the  Temple.  I  fear 
the  traders. 

A  JERUSALEMITE 

Others  think  as  we  do,  but  they  are  afraid  to 
speak. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     53 
DAVID 

(Damascene) 

Is  there  not  one  strong  man  left  in  Israel  to 
lead  the  people  against  these  that  lust  after  silver 
and  gold? 

ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

For  months  every  year  these  traders  look  for 
ward  to  this  day  of  profit.  I  think  they  would 
kill  anyone  who  opposed  them. 

JOSEPH 

(Arimathean) 

[Joining  the  others.]  Friends,  I  have  just 
now  witnessed  this  endeavor  to  dishonor  a  good 
man.  It  cannot  always  be  so.  The  people  are 
patient.  Perhaps  the  people  are  too  patient. 

A  PERSON 

Look!  Something  is  happening  on  the  road 
below  the  Temple. 

ANOTHER 
Persons  are  running  to  the  balustrade. 

ANOTHER 

And  waving  their  hands.  See  the  woman 
standing  beside  the  soldier,  .  .  .  how  she  is  wav 
ing  her  hands!  Who  is  the  soldier? 


54  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

He  is  the  captain  of  the  guards  stationed  yon 
der  in  the  Tower  of  Antonia. 

ANOTHER 

What  are  they  calling  out?  There  is  so  much 
noise  here  that  I  cannot  understand  what  they 
are  calling  out. 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

Perhaps  some  one  is  amusing  the  people.  But 
that  should  not  be  permitted  on  a  day  like  this. 

\The  crowd  that  had  gathered  around  Joseph 
disperses,  some  of  them  hastening  toward  the 
balustrade.'} 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

The  people  change  as  the  wind  changes.  A 
moment  ago  they  would  have  drawn  swords 
against  the  traders.  Now  they  are  led  away  by 
a  strange  noise.  Perhaps  it  is  a  magic-worker, 
or  Roman  soldiers  beating  some  one. 

JOSEPH 

(Arimathean) 

It  always  has  been  so.  The  people  waver. 
They  are  children. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      55 
ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

[To  Joseph,  the  silversmith,  who  has  returned 
from  the  balustrade.']  What  is  happening? 
What  are  they  crying  out? 

JOSEPH 

(Silversmith) 

I  think  it  is  a  procession  of  admiring  persons 
following  their  teacher.  He  is  riding  on  an  ass. 
They  are  calling  out  something  like  u  Rejoice,  O 
daughter  of  Jerusalem!  .  .  .  The  king  will  en 
ter."  They  are  strewing  the  ground  with  long 
grass  which  they  have  gathered  from  the  road 
side.  Perhaps  he  is  a  prophet.  But  I  think  they 
are  calling  him  a  king. 

ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

He  is  likely  only  another  fool  who  thinks  him 
self  a  prophet.  Many  such  come  to  Jerusalem 
every  year.  .  .  .  Are  many  persons  following 
him? 

JOSEPH 

(Silversmith) 

Not  many.  They  look  like  country  people. 
Their  faces  are  sun-beaten,  and  their  feet  are  cov 
ered  with  dust. 


56  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

Listen !  Do  you  not  understand  what  they  are 
saying?  They  are  crying  out  some  words  of 
the  prophet  Zechariah,  u  Rejoice.  .  .  .  O  daugh 
ter  of  Zion !  .  .  .  your  king  is  coming  to  you. 
.  .  .  He  is  just,  .  .  .  lowly,  .  .  .  and  rides  on 
an  ass."  That  is  at  least  part  of  what  they  are 
crying  out. 

NATHAN 

(Galilean) 

I  cannot  hear  that.  I  only  hear  shouts  as  of 
praise,  and  I  hear  singing.  Do  you  not  hear 
singing? 

ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

I  do  not  call  that  noise  singing.  It  is  dread 
ful.  I  think  they  are  weeping. 

[The  noise  of  the  procession,  which  slowly  dies 
away,  has  but  slightly  interfered  with  the  trading 
and  confusion  in  the  Court.  The  bartering  and 
wrangling  continue  everywhere  as  before.  The 
people  move  away  from  the  balustrade.  Mary 
and  Terreno  appear  at  front,  near  David,  the 
Damascene,  and  others.] 

MARY 

O,  he  is  coming!  He  is  coming  to  the  gate  to 
enter. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      57 

TERRENO 

I  have  seen  your  lover,  Magdalene.  Is  he  not 
your  lover? 

MARY 
He  is  enamored  of  my  soul. 

TERRENO 
Is  there  then  no  hope  for  me? 

MARY 

There  is  hope. 

TERRENO 
That  we  may  live  again  our  lost  pleasures? 

MARY 

That  we  may  love  as  he  would  have  us  love. 

TERRENO 

Shall  he  judge  when  I  shall  touch  your  lips, 
when  I  shall  hold  you  close  to  me,  when  I  shall 
sit  with  you  in  the  moonlight? 

MARY 

Will  you  hear  him  when  he  speaks? 

TERRENO 

I  will  not  hear  him.  What  words  of  this  fool 
ish  Galilean.  .  .  . 

MARY 

[Interrupting.]      I  will  not  listen  to  you. 


58  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

Heard  you  some  of  them  that  followed  him 
cry  out  and  call  him  "  king  "? 

MARY 
I  heard. 

TERRENO 

Pilate  will  not  disturb  religious  madness;  but 
rebellion  against  Rome  is  punished  by  death. 
Caesar  and  the  ragged  ass-riding  prophet  of  Gali 
lee  cannot  both  be  king. 

MARY 

I  do  not  understand  anything  about  Pilate  and 
Caesar. 

TERRENO 

Have  you  been  told  the  story  of  Judas  the 
Gaulanite  ? 

MARY 
I  have  been  told. 

TERRENO 
He  stood  against  Rome.  .  .  . 

MARY 

And  was  crucified. 

TERRENO 

If  your  Galilean  lover  proclaims  himself  king 
here  in  the  Temple,  I  will  call  the  guards. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      59 

MARY 

The  guards  will  be  helpless  if  he  lift  his  hand. 

TERRENO 
I  will  chain  him  in  the  Tower. 

MARY 

The  Tower  cannot  hold  him. 

TERRENO 

Your  talk  is  foolish. 

[Another  outburst  of  shouts  outside  the  Tern- 
pie.} 

MARY 

He  is  coming!  Hear,  all  the  people  are 
praising  him! 

\Terreno  'pushes  into  the  crowd  and  disap 
pears.  Above  the  noise  in  the  Temple,  more  or 
less  continuous  cries  of  praise  are  heard  coming 
from  the  right  and  back.  There  is  a  lull  in  the 
trading.  Booz  hastens  to  the  tribute  table. ~\ 

Booz 

(Trader) 

[Indignant.']  They  are  coming  in.  Must  we 
listen  to  this  noise  here  in  the  Court? 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

It  is  against  the  law. 


60  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

These  people  buy  nothing,  neither  do  they 
change  any  money.  They  have  no  money.  They 
are  dusty  and  ragged.  Look  at  them. 

Booz 

(Trader) 

Jachin  shall  call  the  guards. 

[Men,  women  and  children,  singing  and  shout 
ing  praises,  push  into  the  already  crowded  Court. 
The  trading  ceases,  and  there  is  great  confusion] 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

Here  is  he  that  shall  bring  back  the  kingdom 
of  our  fathers !  .  .  .  He  is  here  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord!  .  .  .  The  kingdom  of  David  is  com 
ing  again ! 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Silence,  blasphemers ! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

[Chanting.]  Blessed  is  he  that  comes  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord ! 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

[Shouting.']  You  have  stopped  all  buying  and 
selling!  Out  into  the  street,  you  beggars! 

[Traders,  money  changers,  and  priests,  crying 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      61 

"  Silence!  Silence!  "  try  to  break  into  the  crowd, 
which  has  formed  a  dense  circle  at  back,  and  from 
which  joyful  cries  continually  arise.] 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

[Chanting.']      Praised  is  the  kingdom  of  our 
father  David  that  is  about  to  come ! 
[Cheers  more  or  less  continuous.] 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

[Approaching  with  several  Temple  guards 
armed  with  clubs.  In  a  loud  voice.]  In  the 
name  of  the  Law,  I  command  you  to  be  silent  in 
the  Temple! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

[Chanting]  Daughter  of  Zion,  now  behold 
the  king  has  come  to  you ! 

Booz 

(Trader) 

[To  Jachin.]  Command  the  guards  to  beat 
them  back! 

SALA 

(Trader) 

[To  Jachin.]      Order  the  guards  to  strike! 
JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

[Mounting  a  money  changer's  table]  Dis 
perse,  disperse,  profaners  of  the  Temple !  Go 
out  into  the  streets! 


62  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Command  the  guards  to  seize  him  that  stands 
in  the  center! 

\_In  the  center  of  the  crowd  some  one  is  speak 
ing,  but  there  is  so  much  noise  that  his  words 
cannot  be  understood.] 

SIMEON 

(Scribe) 

Jachin,  command  the  guards  to  break  into  the 
crowd ! 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Drive  away  the  people!  We  will  take  the 
leader! 

ELEAZAR 

(Trader) 

[Rushing  in  from  left,  followed  by  several  cat 
tle  and  sheep  tenders.]  Who  is  the  leader? 

JUDAS 

[Standing  near  him.]  He  is  Jesus  of  Naza 
reth.  He  is  a  great  prophet. 

ELEAZAR 

(Trader) 

He  is  in  the  hands  of  a  devil!  [To  the  cattle 
and  sheep  tenders]  Tear  away  the  people. 
We  will  take  hold  of  the  leader.  He  is  stand 
ing  in  the  center  of  them. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     63 

[The  tenders  and  guards  attack  the  people, 
striking  several  of  them.  A  brief  scuffle  ensues. 
The  crowd  opens  in  front,  violently  pushing  back 
the  tenders  and  guards.  In  the  center  stands 
Jesus,  surrounded  by  Peter,  John,  Philip,  Thomas, 
Matthew,  and  other  disciples  and  followers. 
Jesus  is  speaking,  but  in  the  noise  and  confusion 
what  he  is  saying  cannot  be  understood.  More 
persons  are  running  into  the  Court  from  every 
direction.] 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

[Pushing  his  way  toward  Jesus  and  the  dis 
ciples.]  I  will  take  him!  Forward,  guards, 
seize  him!  Which  is  he? 

[Jachin  is  knocked  down  by  Peter,  and  the 
guards  do  not  advance.  Peter  is  seized  by  sev 
eral  persons,  who  in  turn  are  attacked  by  James, 
John,  and  other  disciples.] 

JosiAS 

(Priest) 

[Standing  on  the  tribute  table.]  Madman, 
stand  forth !  The  curse  of  Abraham  fall  upon 
you! 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

At  least  tell  us  whv  you  have  broken  in  upon 
us  in  this  way. 


64  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

JACHIN 

[Recovering.]  Come  forward,  else  I  will 
command  the  people  to  seize  you!  They  have 
seen  you  defile  the  house  of  God! 

[There  is  a  moment's  suspense,  some  in  the 
crowd  shifting  menacingly  about  Jesus. ~] 

JESUS 

[Pushes  forward  into  an  opening  in  the  crowd. 
He  is  tall,  powerful,  but  pale  and  worn.  His 
words  are  continually  broken  into.]  You  have 
turned  this  house  of  prayer  into  a  den  of  rob 
bers.  .  .  . 

ELEAZAR 

(Trader) 

Do  you  dare  to  call  us  robbers? 

JESUS 

You  steal  like  thieves  that  enter  when  it  is 
dark.  .  .  . 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Madman,  madman,  leave  the  Temple! 

JESUS 

You  beat  the  lowly  with  your  fists.  From  the 
poor  you  take  the  last  farthing.  .  .  . 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

You  are  trying  to  deceive  the  people. 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      65 
KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

You  are  a  magic-worker. 
Booz 

(Trader) 

[To  the  people.']      Do  not  listen  to  him.     He 
hath  devils.     He  is  a  lunatic.  .  .  . 
[Confusion  of  cheers  and  hisses.'] 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 

[Simultaneously.]  Speak,  Galilean.  .  .  .  You 
are  speaking  the  truth.  .  .  .  The  people  want  to 
hear  the  truth.  .  .  .  The  traders  do  not  want  to 
hear  it! 

JESUS 

Woe  to  them  who  make  profit  out  of  holy 
things !  In  the  last  days  the  sun  shall  hide  away, 
the  stars  flee  in  terror,  and  the  moon  be  red  with 
blood!  They  that  desecrate  this  house  shall 
tremble  in  dark  places.  They  shall  be  afraid !  .  .  . 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Silence,  we  will  not  listen  to  you  any  longer ! 
JOHN 

(Disciple) 

O,  it  will  be  terrible  for  the  traders  and 
changers  in  the  last  days ! 


b6  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

We  will  hear  him.     He  is  a  man  of  the  people ! 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 

[Simultaneously.']  Hear  him!  .  .  .  Hear  him! 
.  .  .  Let  him  speak! 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

Silence,  silence!  [To  Jesus. ]  Blasphemer! 
.  .  .  [His  voice  is  drowned  in  hisses  and  jeers.] 

PETER 

[Pulling  away  from  them  who  had  seized  him, 
and  lifting  his  hands  to  quiet  the  people.  ]  He 
will  speak  again.  Listen ! 

JESUS 

Within  this  house  of  prayer  there  are  thieves 
walking  in  the  cloaks  of  holy  men.  There  are 
vipers  that  have  learned  to  speak.  They  stand 
erect  like  men.  They  are  evil.  Woe  to  you 
that  take  bread  from  the  mouths  of  the  poor  and 
clothe  yourselves  in  fine  linens!  .  .  .  [Cheers.] 

BENJAMIN 

(Trader) 

[To  Jachin.]  Must  we  listen  to  these  ac 
cursed  lies? 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     67 
SALA 

(Trader) 

[To    Jachin.]     Bid    him    go    out    upon    the 
street.     Something  dreadful  will  happen  here. 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

Madman,  your  body  is  burning  with  devils. 
Leave  the  Temple!  .  .  . 

JESUS 

I  will  not  till  all  has  been  spoken,  that  you 
may  know  the  day  of  judgment  is  near. 

SEVERAL  OF  THE  DISCIPLES 
[Simultaneously.']     He  speaks  the  truth.  .  .  . 
The  judgment  is  near.  .  .  .  Yes,  yes,  it  is  near, 
.  .  .  it  is  very  near! 

SARAS 

(Scribe) 

I  have  been  told  you  are  a  Galilean.  .  .  . 
[The  crowd  jeers.     Jesus  raises  his  hands  and 
they  quiet  a  little.] 

SARAS 

(Scribe) 

Have  you  heard  of  the  Galileans  whose  blood 
Pilate  mingled  with  the  blood  of  their  sacrifices? 
He  slew  them  even  yonder  by  the  altar.  Are 
you  not  afraid  to  cause  this  disturbance  in  the 
Temple  ? 


68  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 

I  have  heard  of  it.  But  these  Galileans  that 
Pilate  killed  were  not  more  sinful  than  others.  I 
say  to  you  that  unless  you  yourself  repent  you 
shall  surely  die.  The  days  of  the  evil  are  num 
bered.  They  are  like  the  grass  in  the  au 
tumn.  .  .  . 

BENJAMIN 

(Trader) 

You,  Galilean,  surely  know  that  our  trading 
here  is  in  accordance  with  the  Law,  and  is  au 
thorized  by  the  Council  1 

[The  crowd  hisses.] 

JESUS 

Woe  to  you  traders  and  money  changers  that 
are  rich!  You  have  received  your  rewards. 
Woe  to  you  that  are  full!  You  shall  hunger. 
And  you  that  laugh  now,  you  shall  mourn  and 
weep !  In  the  Temple  I  hear  the  grinding  of  a 
scythe.  .  .  . 

SARAS 

(Scribe) 

Are  you  trying  to  tell  us  that  we  shall  die  soon? 
Is  that  what  you  are  trying  to  tell  us? 

JESUS 

This  generation  shall  not  pass  till  the  heavens 
be  shaken,  and  the  Son  of  Man  appear.  His 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      69 

face  shall  shine  like  the  dawn.  His  raiment  shall 
be  like  the  gold  of  the  sun.  He  shall  judge  the 
world.  Have  you  not  read  the  prophets?  .  .  . 

SARAS 

(Scribe), 

Do  you  ask  us  who  are  scribes  if  we  have  read 
the  prophets ! 

JESUS 

You  and  your  households  shall  know  the  fam 
ine  and  pestilence  of  the  last  days.  You  shall 
understand  the  fear  of  the  sword.  The  wrath 
of  God  will  destroy  the  wicked.  It  will  cast  them 
into  darkness.  .  .  . 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Madman  of  Galilee,  you  have  a  serpent's 
tongue.  It  is  poisonous.  \The  people  hiss.~\ 

Booz 

(Trader) 

What  —  do  you  hiss  a  priest! 

JESUS 

O,  repent  before  that  hour,  the  hour  of  the 
anguish  of  fire  and  the  sting  of  the  sword!  In 
the  Temple  I  hear  the  singing  of  a  scythe.  It 
is  the  reaper  of  death.  He  is  mowing. 

SIMEON 

(Scribe) 

Tell  us  by  what  authority.   .  .  . 


70  JESUS:  A  PASSION  PLAY 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 

[Amid  hisses.']  We  will  hear  the  Galilean! 
.  .  .  Away  with  the  traders !  .  .  .  Away  with  the 
money  changer! 

JESUS 
[Raising  his  hand.'}     Let  him  speak. 

SIMEON 

By  what  authority  do  you  come  into  the  Tem 
ple  and  overthrow  the  Law  and  turn  away  the 
hearts  of  the  people? 

JESUS 

Tear  down  this  Temple,  and  in  three  days  I 
will  build  a  Temple  not  made  by  hands. 

SIMEON 

Forty-six  years  was  this  Temple  in  building, 
and  you  will  rebuild  it  in  three  days? 

JESUS 

There  shall  be  a  new  Temple  and  a  new 
Jerusalem.  But  you  cannot  understand  that. 
There  be  men  standing  here  who  shall  not  taste 
of  death  till  they  have  seen  them. 

TERRENO 

[Away  from  the  crowd,  to  Judah.]  Is  he 
claiming  to  be  a  king? 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      71 
JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

He  is  claiming  to  be  a  god. 
[Jachin  is  gathering  together  the  guards  and 
tenders.'] 

Booz 

(Trader) 

[Mounting  a  table  of  the  money  changers.] 
Listen  to  me,  all  you  people!  This  man  is  mad! 
He  hath  devils.  [The  people  hiss.']  Do  you 
not  see  that  by  tricks  of  speech  and  a  loud  voice 
he  is  leading  you  away?  The  curse  of  Moses 
be  upon  him!  [The  crowd  jeers,  drowning  his 
voice.]  I  will  be  heard!  .  .  .  [The  jeering  con 
tinues] 

[Four  men  carrying  large  vessels  are  pushing 
their  way  through  the  Court.  They  are  buffeted 
right  and  left  by  the  people] 

JosiAS 

(Priest) 

[At  the  top  of  his  voice]  Is  it  right  that  you 
abuse  these  vessel  carriers?  They  are  on  their 
way  to  the  Temple  slaughtering  house. 

JESUS 

It  is  terrible  to  defile  this  Court  with  bloody 
vessels.     It  is  terrible  to  defile  it  with  trade! 
[The  guards  and  tenders  endeavor  to  defend 


72  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

the  vessel  carriers  from  the  buffets  of  the  crowd. 
A  hand  to  hand  fight  ensues,  during  which  the 
vessels  are  taken  from  the  carriers  and  thrown 
over  the  balustrade. ,] 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Man  of  Galilee,  restrain  your  followers! 

JESUS 

Out  with  you,  thieves  and  robbers  1 
DAVID 

(Damascene) 

[Amid  the  shouts  of  the  crowd.'}  We  have 
found  a  leader!  .  .  . 

NATHAN 

(Galilean) 

We  will  follow  him!  .  .  . 

MANY  VOICES 

[Simultaneously.']  We  will  follow  him!  .  .  . 
Out  with  the  traders !  .  .  .  Out  with  the  slaugh 
tering  vessels!  .  .  . 

SALA 

(Trader) 

Prophet,  hold  back  the  people! 

JESUS 
I  will  not! 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE     73 
KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

Hold  back  the  people,  else  are  the  stones  al 
ready  chosen  that  shall  bruise  your  flesh! 

JESUS 

Let  the  fox  prowl  upon  the  road,  and  the  ser 
pent  in  the  grass.  This  Temple  is  for  the  chil 
dren  of  the  Lord ! 

PETER 

This  money  changer  [pointing  at  Kora']  should 
be  driven  out! 

JAMES 

(Disciple) 

Let  us  drive  him  out  1 

MANY  VOICES 

Out  with  Kora!  Out  with  the  money 
changers!  .  .  . 

[There  is  great  confusion  and  noise,  pushing 
and  pulling,  and  many  blows  are  struck.  David 
the  Damascene,  Nathan  the  Galilean,  and  others 
on  the  right;  Peter,  James,  John,  and  the  other 
disciples  and  followers  of  Jesus  on  the  left;  and 
Jesus  in  the  center,  advance,  leading  the  people 
to  left  against  the  traders,  money  changers, 
guards,  and  tenders.'] 


74  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JACOB 

(Dove  Seller) 

But  don't  you  understand  that  these  things  are 
for  the  sacrifice?  .  .  . 

JESUS 

Away  with  you ! 

[The  other  dove  sellers  run  out  of  the  Court, 
their  doves  flying  in  all  directions  through  the 
Temple.  The  tables  of  the  money  changers  are 
overturned;  and  what  coins  they  had  not  time  to 
gather  into  bags,  fall  and  roll  over  the  floor.] 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Back,  back,  I  say !  ...  your  hands  off  me,  till 
I  have  gathered  my  money ! 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

Let  the  changers  gather  their  coins !  .  .  . 
KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

My  money,  my  money!  .  .  .  Only  let  me 
gather  my  money,  and  I  will  go  out ! 

JOSES 

(Jesus'  Brother) 

[Rushing  up  to  Jesus.]  O  brother,  run  away, 
run  away  1  They  will  stone  thee  1 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      75 

JESUS 
[Pushing  him  aside.]      Disturb  me  not  now! 

JOSES 

Do  you  not  know  me  ?  I  am  your  brother.  I 
am  Joses. 

JESUS 

All  these  are  my  brothers!  [Pressing  for 
ward  in  front  of  the  people  and  shouting,  above 
the  noise  and  tumult.]  We  will  give  back  this 
house  to  God!  It  is  written,  "  My  house  shall 
be  called  a  house  of  prayer  for  all  the  people!  " 
But  you  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves !  Away 
with  you,  deceivers  of  the  people  and  betrayers 
of  God!  Neither  gold  nor  silver  nor  fine  linen 
will  save  you !  The  publicans  and  harlots  go 
into  the  kingdom  of  God  before  you !  You  do 
not  believe  that  the  day  of  repentance  is  here. 
The  publicans  and  harlots  believe!  Out  with 
you !  Thieves  and  robbers !  .  .  . 

[The  crowd  advances  to  left,  pushing  back  the 
guards,  tenders,  traders,  and  money  changers,  who 
all  the  while  utter  cries  of  protestation.  The 
pursuit  continues  until  nearly  all  persons  have 
passed  off.  The  noise  of  many  running  oxen  and 
the  bleating  of  many  frightened  sheep  mingle  with 
the  cries  of  the  people. ,] 


76  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

A  PERSON 

[Standing  on  a  money  changer's  table  and  look 
ing  over  the  heads  of  the  departing  crowd.~\ 
They  are  driving  out  the  cattle!  Some  stricken 
with  fear  are  running  over  the  bridge! 

ANOTHER  PERSON 

The  sheep  are  running  into  the  valley !  An  ox 
has  plunged  over  the  bridge  into  the  valley!  .  .  . 
another  and  another !  It  is  terrible ! 

ANOTHER  PERSON 

They  are  throwing  the  bags  of  salt  over  the 
bridge  and  pouring  out  the  oil !  It  is  terrible ! 
They  will  kill  the  traders !  O,  it  is  terrible !  .  .  . 

ANOTHER  PERSON 
Let  us  destroy  the  tables  of  the  money  changers ! 

ANOTHER 

Let  us  throw  them  out  of  the  Temple.  [  They 
carry  the  tables  to  the  balustrade,  drop  them  into 
the  road  below,  and  hasten  off.~\ 

[At  right  enters  Caiaphas,  High  Priest,  fol 
lowed  by  priests,  Pharisees,  scribes,  and  guards, 
all  in  a  state  of  great  excitement.] 

AMIEL 

(Priest) 

Let  the  guards  go  around  the  Temple  in  oppo 
site  directions,  and  take  him  —  if  not  alive,  then 
dead! 


THE  CLEANSING  OF  THE  TEMPLE      77 
LEVI 

(Priest) 

That  is  folly. 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

The  people  will  flee  before  the  guards.  Let 
us  send  them  to  take  him. 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

He  cannot  be  taken  now.  The  people  are  led 
away.  In  their  madness  they  would  die  for  him. 

AMIEL 

(Priest) 

Are  we  to  see  this  blasphemer  overthrow  the 
authority  of  the  Temple,  and  are  we  to  do  noth 
ing? 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

Let  their  madness  spend  itself.  We  dare  not 
touch  him  now  unless  he  enter  the  Inner  Temple. 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

Shall  we  not  send  guards  to  watch  at  the  inner 
gates? 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

Let  them  go  at  once  and  stand  upon  the  ut 
most  step  of  the  Chel  by  the  Flaming  and  Offer- 


78  JESUS:   A  PASSION, PLAY 

ing  Gates.  If  he  seek  to  enter,  he  must  be  taken, 
even  if  it  cost  a  hundred  lives.  To-morrow  — 
come  close.  [They  gather  close  around  him.] 
To-morrow  no  doubt  he  will  come  again.  To 
morrow  we  shall  confound  him,  confuse  him  by 
many  questions,  make  him  ridiculous  in  the  eyes 
of  the  people.  What  can  he  know  of  the  Law? 
When  once  the  people  have  laughed  at  him,  you 
can  take  him  as  easily  as  a  gardener  plucks  a  weed 
from  his  garden,  or  as  a  slaughterer  takes  a 
sheep.  We  shall  have  a  meeting  of  the  Council 
at  once.  Come!  .  .  . 
[All  hasten  off.] 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  II 
DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE 


PERSONS  IN  ACT  II 


JESUS 

MARY,  a  Magdalene 
MEIER,  a  Pharisee 
HANNAN,  a  Herodian 
JOSEPH,  an  Arimathean 
TERRENO,   Captain   of  the 

Roman  Guards 
JACHIN,    an    Overseer    of 

the  Temple 
NATHAN,  a  Galilean 
ZARAH,  a  Jerusalemite 
DAVID,  a  Damascene 
JUDAS, 

PETER,   j-Disciples  of  Jesus 
JOHN, 


ers 


DATHAN,!  ,  ,          ^, 

Money   Chang- 

KORA,        V 

— 

JUBAL,       J 
JUDAH, 

SIMEON, 

ZERA, 

SARAS, 

SHOLEM, 

LEVI, 

DARPHAS, 

JOSE, 

AMIEL, 

BENJAMIN,  - 

Booz, 

ELEAZAR, 

SALA, 

EZRA, 

JACOB, 


Priests 


-Traders 


Temple  guards  and  others. 


ACT  II 

The  scene  is  the  same  as  Act  I.  The  follow 
ing  morning. 

\_At  back  Temple  servants  are  cleaning.  Booz 
enters,  followed  by  Eleazar  and  Benjamin.'] 

Booz 

(Trader) 

Sala  and  Ezra  are  going  through  the  roads  and 
through  the  Temple.  They  are  gathering  the 
traders  and  changers.  They  will  bring  them  here. 

BENJAMIN 

Let  us  not  stir  up  the  people  to-day.  I  am 
bruised  and  I  ache. 

Booz 

We  shall  be  men  to-day.  [Takes  a  short 
sword  from  under  his  cloak.'] 

ELEAZAR 

Have  care,  Booz;  we  are  but  a  handful.  The 
people  are  many. 

Booz 

When  the  changers  and  the  other  traders  come, 
we  shall  determine  what  is  to  be  done.  .  .  .  All 

81 


82  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

night  long  his  face  disturbed  my  sleep.     Is  there 
not  something  the  matter  with  his  face? 

ELEAZAR 

His  face  is  like  wax  that  candles  are  made  of. 

Booz 

His  face  is  white  like  the  face  of  a  man  who  is 
chaste. 

ELEAZAR 

I  have  heard  he  has  wives  and  maiden  slaves 
in  Galilee.  I  think  he  has  the  face  of  a  man 
who  has  many  women. 

Booz 
He  has  the  face  of  a  man  who  is  chaste. 

BENJAMIN 

He  looks  like  an  Essene.  They  have  nothing 
to  do  with  women. 

ELEAZAR 

I  wager  he  hath  loosened  the  girdle  of  many 
maidens. 

Booz 

No,  I  am  sure  he  is  chaste.  He  hath  the  mad 
ness  of  a  man  who  is  chaste. 

BENJAMIN 

His  voice  was  horrible.  I  never  had  heard  a 
voice  so  horrible. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        83 

Booz 

His  voice  was  soft,  such  a  voice  as  weak  men 
obey. 

BENJAMIN 
No,  his  voice  was  not  soft. 

Booz 

The  priests  and  Levites  in  the  Inner  Temple 
say  they  did  not  hear  his  voice.  They  did  not 
even  know  that  there  was  any  disturbance.  .  .  . 
But  his  face  was  like  one  ready  for  the  tomb.  It 
was  terrible ! 

ELEAZAR 

It  frightened  me  even  to  look  upon  his  face. 
[Enter  Sala,  Ezra,  Jacob,  Kora,  Jubal,  Dathan, 
and  several  other  traders  and  money  changers.] 

SALA 

(Trader) 

We  could  not  persuade  any  others  to  come. 
Many  traders  are  themselves  taking  care  of  their 
sheep  and  oxen.  Their  tenders  and  helpers  ran 
away  in  fear  and  have  not  returned. 

EZRA 

(Trader) 

We  met  Jachin  by  the  Cipunus  Gate.  He  told 
us  that  no  sheep  and  oxen  may  be  brought  into 
the  Temple  until  permission  has  come  from  the 
Council. 


84  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

The  blood  of  Israel  has  turned  to  water! 
Even  the  Council  obeys  the  madman  who  scat 
tered  my  silver  over  the  floor. 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

Let  two  watch  at  yonder  passages,  that  none 
of  the  people  come  upon  us  suddenly  and  hear 
what  we  are  saying. 

[Two  go  back  and  loiter  near  the  balustrade.] 

Booz 

First,  we  will  demand  payment  of  our  losses 
from  the  Temple  treasury. 

SEVERAL  OTHERS 
We  will.  .  .  .  We  will  demand  payment. 

Booz 

Let  every  one  hide  a  short  sword  beneath  his 
cloak.  Including  our  helpers  we  can  count  a  hun 
dred  men.  When  once  he  lies  bleeding  on  the 
floor,  we  will  quiet  any  dispute  by  a  hundred 
lifted  swords.  Are  we  agreed?  [A  pause.'] 
You  are  silent.  [Another  pause.]  I  do  not 
hear  you  say  anything.  Have  you  never  noticed 
the  glint  of  the  sun  on  polished  silver?  Light 
ning  is  not  as  terrible  as  the  glitter  of  a  hundred 
suddenly  lifted  swords. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        85 

BENJAMIN 
Strike  him  down  here  in  the  Temple ! 

Booz 

Pilate  set  the  example.  He  stained  even  yon 
der  altar  floor  with  human  blood. 

JACOB 

(Trader) 

But  the  Sanhedrin  and  the  High  Priest?  .  .  . 
Booz 

Both  would  be  happy.  Even  now  they  are 
trembling.  They  are  afraid  the  Galilean  will  win 
over  still  more  of  the  people.  The  Council  prob 
ably  sits  this  very  hour,  each  member,  like  some 
old  woman,  frowning,  threatening,  and  scolding. 
But  words  —  words  will  neither  subdue  a  mad 
man  nor  instruct  a  fool. 

SALA 

They  by  the  balustrade  are  waving.  Some  one 
is  coming. 

JUBAL 

(Money  Changer) 

I  agree  with  Booz.  A  little  courage  will  re 
store  the  honor  of  the  Temple,  and  moreover  it 
will  please  the  Sanhedrin.  .  .  . 

Booz 
Wait,  till  we  see  who  is  coming. 


86  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

[Enter  priests,  scribes  and  Pharisees.  They 
come  forward.] 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

[Addressing  them.]  Priests  and  Scribes,  it  is 
always  good  for  us  to  see  you.  You  are  wise. 
But  swords  and  spears  are  more  needed  here  than 
wisdom  and  words. 

JUBAL 

We  have  been  outraged,  beaten,  and  our  money 
taken. 

SHOLEM 

(An  Old  Priest) 

We  have  heard. 

BENJAMIN 

Seven  oxen  lie  dead  in  the  valley.  Two  of 
them  are  mine. 

Booz 

Eleven  of  my  sheep,  and  many  belonging  to 
others,  are  gone.  Mine  were  costly  sheep.  They 
had  grazed  on  the  plains  of  Sharon. 

JACOB 

The  doves  of  the  traders  have  returned  to  the 
open  air. 

Booz 

We  will  demand  payment  of  our  losses  from 
the  Temple  treasury. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        87 
LEVI 

(Priest) 

Your  claims  are  just,  but  we  have  no  authority. 
DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

The  Council  will  surely  pay  them. 
Booz 

Gold  and  silver  can  not  take  away  our  dis 
honor.  By  the  God  of  Abraham,  with  a  sword  I 
had  fought  my  way  through!  .  .  . 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

And  I.  ...  Was  the  High  Priest  asleep  while 
blasphemers  ruled  the  Temple? 

SHOLEM 

(An  Old  Priest) 

Peace,  young  men.  .  .  . 

Booz 

We  are  speaking  that  you  may  know  our  minds. 
You  doctors  of  the  Law  saw  Moses  and  the 
prophets  overturned,  and  you  did  not  lift  a  hand! 

SHOLEM 
Peace,  peace.  .  .  . 

BENJAMIN 

Where  were  the  Temple  guards?  Jachin 
could  find  only  seven. 


88  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

Booz 

Is  Jerusalem  to  be  ruled  by  Nazareth?  Is  the 
fly  to  master  the  lion?  Where  is  the  blood  of 
our  fathers?  Shall  we  look  henceforth  to  Caia- 
phas  or  to  Jesus? 

JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

You  are  angered.  You  are  saying  foolish 
things. 

Booz 

I  will  speak  that  you  may  return  and  tell  the 
Council  the  thoughts  that  burn  in  us.  What  need 
have  we  any  longer  of  you  scribes  to  teach  us 
and  our  children  the  Law  and  traditions  of  our 
fathers?  We  have  Jesus  now.  Ask  the  Coun 
cil  if  we  shall  obey  Moses  or  Jesus?  And  if  they 
say  Moses,  then  we  demand  protection  in  the 
Temple.  Say  that  to  the  Council. 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Last  evening  my  sons  mingled  with  the  crowd 
upon  the  streets.  They  heard  the  name  of  their 
father  cursed  as  if  he  had  committed  a  crime 
against  God. 

JUBAL 

(Money  Changer) 

Do  we  not  pay  more  silver  into  the  treasury 
than  the  rabble? 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        89 
MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

The  Council  is  now  sitting.  Guards  are  watch 
ing  from  the  Porch  on  every  side  of  the  Temple. 
We  will  know  when  he  enters.  We  shall  be  pre 
pared.  The  Council  will  send  a  report  to  us.  It 
will  tell  us  what  is  to  be  done. 

Booz 

The  Galilean  is  not  to  be  beaten  by  a  report. 
It  would  be  better  if  we  had  swords.  He  may 
have  many  followers  again  if  he  comes  to  the 
Temple  to-day.  He  may  have  more  followers 
than  yesterday. 

MEIER 

Think  a  moment,  trader.  If  we  arm  against 
the  people,  will  they  not  arm  against  us?  God 
forbid!  We  do  not  want  war.  Caesar  is  eager 
to  tighten  his  grasp  upon  us.  Pilate  sits  like  a 
spider  in  the  center  of  his  web.  The  heathen  all 
around  us  are  watching  like  animals  that  are  hun 
gry. 

Booz 

We  will  arm  ourselves.  We  can  count  more 
than  a  hundred  men. 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

To  arm  against  him  now  is  to  arm  against  the 
people.  That  would  be  very  foolish. 


90  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

MEIER 

Ridicule  is  better  than  a  sword.  This  Galilean 
is  ignorant  of  the  Law  and  the  prophets.  Per 
haps  the  Council  will  tell  us  to  make  the  people 
laugh  at  him.  We  have  talked  with  Caiaphas, 
He  is  explaining  it  to  the  Council. 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

I  have  a  ridiculous  question  about  the  resur 
rection  of  the  dead  which  I  shall  ask  him.  .  .  . 

MEIER 

[Interrupting.]  I  am  a  Pharisee.  I  believe 
the  dead  will  arise. 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

It  is  foolish.     The  dead  will  never  arise. 

MEIER 

Yes,  I  am  sure  the  dead  will  arise. 
DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

Perhaps  some  Herodian  will  lead  him  into  a 
speech  against  Rome.  We  have  sent  for  the 
Roman  captain,  that  he  may  hear  him  should  he 
pronounce  doctrines  hateful  to  Caesar. 

JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

It  even  has  been  told  us  that  he  may  try  to 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        91 

make  the  people  believe  he  is  Messias,  at  least 
that  he  may  intimate  he  is  Messias. 

LEVI 

(Scribe) 

We  could  not  desire  anything  better  than  that. 
JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

He  himself  will  make  the  people  laugh  at  him. 
It  would  be  foolish  enough  if  he  claimed  to  be  a 
prophet  risen  from  the  dead;  but  to  try  to  tell 
people  he  is  Messias  —  is  it  not  laughable?  You 
do  not  need  any  swords.  The  people  are  un 
learned,  but  they  are  wise  in  such  matters.  Give 
them  time,  they  will  find  out  a  fool. 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

I  think  that  the  traders  should  drive  back  their 
animals  into  the  Temple,  and  that  we  should 
bring  back  our  tables  and  change  money  as  before. 

LEVI 

(Scribe) 

/ 

It  would  not  be  wise. 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

He  may  not  return  to-day.  Perhaps  he  is 
afraid  to  return  to-day. 


92  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

He  will  return.  He  is  like  a  man  who  has 
drunk  much  wine. 

SALA 

(Trader) 

This  is  our  last  day  for  profit.  On  the  streets 
competition  is  terrible. 

EZRA 

(Trader) 

The  cheap  traders  on  the  streets  sell  at  any 
price.  Their  animals  are  not  as  good  as  ours. 
We  will  lose  money  if  we  are  not  permitted  to 
bring  our  sheep  and  oxen  back  into  the  Temple. 

Booz 

(Trader) 

These  men  are  right.  We  should  drive  back 
the  animals  and  sell  as  before.  But  we  should  be 
armed  with  short  swords  hidden  under  our  cloaks 
—  we  and  all  our  helpers.  The  arguments  of 
polished  silver  are  stronger  than  the  arguments  of 
polished  words. 

[Several  persons  enter  at  back.~\ 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

These  come  from  the  Council  to  instruct  us. 
Come,  Judah,  Meier,  Sholem.  .  .  . 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        93 

[The  priests,  scribes,  and  Pharisees  retire  to 
the  rear  and  continue  in  conference  with  persons 
just  entered;  among  them  is  Joseph  the  An- 
mathean,  who  after  listening  a  few  moments, 
walks  away.~\ 

Booz 

[To  the  other  traders  and  changers.]  We 
must  hasten.  Before  long  the  people  will  be  com 
ing.  You  that  are  unarmed  go  home  and  arm 
yourselves.  Arm  your  helpers  and  tenders.  No 
one  can  tell  what  will  happen  here.  There  may 
be  a  way  open  for  us  to  reach  him.  The  Council 
cannot  instruct  us  to  do  the  thing,  but  it  will  thank 
us  after  it  is  done.  Let  the  Council  use  words. 
Our  arguments,  harder  and  sharper  than  words, 
will  be  hidden  under  our  cloaks. 

DATHAN 
I  need  not  go  home,  I  am  armed. 

JUBAL 
And  I. 

BENJAMIN 
And  I  and  my  tenders. 

ELEAZAR 
I  also  and  mine. 

ALL  EXCEPT  JACOB  AND  EZRA 
And  I  and  I.  ... 
[Jacob  and  Ezra  start  off.~\ 


94  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

Booz 

Wait.  A  word  before  Jacob  and  Ezra  go. 
Should  there  come  to  us  a  chance  to  strike  him 
down,  let  us  not  do  as  the  Romans  did  in  the  time 
of  our  forefathers.  I  have  heard  it  said  that 
when  they  struck  down  the  great  Caesar,  they  were 
so  eager  and  so  frightened  that  some  of  their  ill- 
directed  thrusts  fell  upon  each  other. 

[Jacob  and  Ezra  go  of  at  right.'] 

SALA 

I  hate  Rome  as  much  as  any  of  you;  yet  I  think 
it  absurd  to  compare  Caesar  with  a  dirty  Galilean. 
It  was  Julius  Caesar  whom  they  killed  —  was  it 
not? 

KORA 

Do  you  hear  some  one  singing  in  the  valley? 
[They  listen.] 

DATHAN 
I  do  not  hear  anything. 

Booz 

Some  one  go  quickly  to  the  bridge  and  look  into 
the  valley.  We  must  know  when  the  people 
come.  I  shall  go  to  the  balustrade. 

[Sala  hastens  out  at  left  and  Booz  retires  to 
back.] 

DATHAN 

I  shall  change  money  when  the  people  come. 
Look.      [He  produces,  from  under  his  cloak,  a 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        95 

large  purse,  fastened  over  his  shoulder.]  The 
other  changers  will  do  the  same.  If  we  change 
money  here,  you  traders  can  gather  patrons  here. 
Bring  your  animals  as  near  the  gate  as  possible. 

[Booz  returns  from  back,  followed  immedi 
ately  by  Levi;  and  presently  by  others,  priests, 
scribes  and  Pharisees.] 

Booz 

I  could  not  see  a  crowd  anywhere.  Many  per 
sons  in  small  groups  are  coming  toward  the  Tem 
ple.  But  they  are  not  making  any  noise. 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

We  are  prepared.  Let  the  Galilean  come. 
[All  gather  round  him.']  We  ask,  in  the  name  of 
the  Council  of  the  Sanhedrin,  that  none  to-day 
arouse  the  people,  or  say  aught  to  arouse  this 
Jesus  and  his  disciples.  Furthermore,  your  losses 
the  Council  has  chosen  to  allow. 

Booz 

The  Council  has  judged  it  wise  to  bow  before 
the  Galilean  rebel!  God  of  Abraham!  .  .  . 

JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

Look  upon  us,  traders  and  changers.  Are  we 
children?  Long  and  patient  years  have  we 
studied  the  Law  and  the  prophets.  The  San- 


96  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

hedrin  has  chosen  us,  of  all  others,  to  confound 
him  who  yesterday  defamed  this  house  of  God. 
We  shall  lead  him  by  the  nose  before  all  the  peo 
ple.  Moreover,  we  shall  make  him  Caesar's 
prisoner. 

[A  few  persons  enter  at  back.~\ 

LEVI 

Let  us  not  stand  here  together,  lest  suspicion 
arise. 

[More  persons  enter,  among  them  Judas. 
From  now  on  there  is  an  ever  increasing  stream 
coming  and  going.  Here  and  there  the  changers 
may  be  seen  quietly  changing  money  from  the 
purses  carried  under  their  cloaks;  and  the  traders 
likewise  quietly  talking  to  prospective  purchasers, 
leading  some  to  left,  toward  where  the  animals 
now  stand,  outside  the  Temple,  beyond  the  Shu- 
shan  Gate.  The  Court  is  more  orderly  and 
quieter  than  the  day  before.] 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

[Calling.']      Iscariot,  Iscariot! 
[Judas  comes  to  Meier. ~] 

MEIER 
Will  your  master  come  to  the  Temple  to-day? 

JUDAS 

Last  night,  in  the  shadow  of  the  trees,  he 
prayed  long  to  his  Father. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE        97 

MEIER 
What  did  he  pray? 

JUDAS 

That  his  Father  might  give  him  strength  still 
to  fight  with  the  evil  in  the  Temple.  Therefore, 
I  think  he  will  come  again  to-day. 

MEIER 
Did  he  pray  anything  else? 

JUDAS 

He  prayed  a  long  time  that  his  Father  hasten 
the  hour  of  judgment,  lest  the  seeds  of  wickedness 
poison  all  Israel.  I  never  have  heard  such  sobs 
in  the  night.  We  came  to  him.  He  sent  us 
away,  and  bade  us  not  disturb  him.  I  could  not 
sleep,  and  I  arose  while  it  was  yet  dark,  and  came 
alone  into  the  city. 

MEIER 

Was  he  not  a  tentmaker  or  a  builder,  as  his 
father  before  him?  Some  say  he  was  a  sandal- 
maker,  others  that  he  was  a  cameldriver.  What 
was  his  father's  name? 

JUDAS 

He  was  a  carpenter,  as  his  father.  His  fa 
ther's  name  was  Joseph.  I  never  knew  him.  He 
is  dead, 


98  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

MEIER 
Iscariot,  look  at  me. 

JUDAS 
What  is  it? 

MEIER 
Is  he  really  Messias? 

JUDAS 

Rabbi,  all  I  possessed  I  gave  to  the  poor  and 
followed  him.  As  we  left  the  Sea  of  Galilee  only 
a  few  weeks  ago,  he  bade  them  among  us  that 
still  had  boats  and  nets  to  give  them  away.  This 
they  did.  He  said  we  might  never  come  back. 
None  of  us  now  have  anything.  Day  after  day, 
in  the  sunlight  of  the  fields,  and  in  the  shadow  of 
the  woods  and  on  the  mountain  side,  and  night 
after  night,  under  the  stars,  he  told  us  that  the 
end  of  the  troubled  world  was  near.  And  we 
believed  him.  We  have  sat  and  contended  with 
the  elders  in  the  gates  of  many  cities.  Often  we 
wandered  from  the  time  of  the  shepherd's  rising 
till  he  calls  his  sheep  in  the  evening  twilight. 
Every  one  we  passed  he  stopped  and  told  of  the 
coming  of  the  Lord. 

MEIER 
Did  anybody  believe  him? 

JUDAS 
Many  listened  eagerly,  and  many  there  were 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE       99 

that  believed  him.  But  here  in  Jerusalem  there 
is  building  of  new  houses,  and  marrying,  and  rid 
ing  in  gilded  chariots,  and  gathering  of  money,  as 
if  no  one  believes  Messias  would  ever  come. 
Here  women  adorn  themselves  in  silver  and  gold 
and  pearls,  as  if  they  were  the  favorite  slaves  of 
heathen  kings.  Here  men  go  about  in  fine  linens 
of  many  colors,  their  mouths  filled  with  laughter 
and  wine,  as  if  the  anger  of  the  Lord  were  yet 
far  off.  Here  none  will  believe  he  is  the  Son  of 
Man.  You,  Rabbi,  heard  them  mock  me. 

MEIER 
He  was  master  here  yesterday. 

JUDAS 

What  will  happen  when  he  tells  the  people  he 
is  Messias?  Will  they  believe  him?  Here  in 
Jerusalem  everything  is  different.  Every  one 
talks  about  God,  but  no  one  thinks  about  Him. 
Every  one  says  Messias  is  coming,  but  no  one  be 
lieves  he  is  coming.  Jerusalem  staggereth  like  a 
man  that  is  drunk. 

MEIER 

How  can  you  speak  so?  Have  you  never 
heard  how  our  forefathers,  sitting  by  the  rivers  of 
Babylon,  wept  as  they  remembered  Zion?  .  .  . 
You  are  troubled,  Iscariot. 


ioo  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JUDAS 

Many  times  he  told  us  that  the  Lord  will  ap 
pear  in  the  clouds  and  declare  him  master  of 
Israel.  He  told  us  that  we  shall  sit  by  his  side 
in  glory  and  judge  the  people.  We  believed  and 
have  followed  him,  as  children  follow  their 
mother.  Days  and  months  have  passed,  and  it  is 
again  Spring.  But  the  Lord  has  not  yet  ap 
peared;  and  we  are  only  a  band  of  wanderers, 
poorly  clad  and  often  without  food. 

MEIER 

You  are  troubled,  Iscariot. 
JUDAS 

We  do  not  eat  and  drink  at  any  king's  table,  as 
he  often  has  said  we  should.  But  we  have  sat 
at  the  table  with  hunger,  and  we  are  acquainted 
with  the  face  of  scorn.  Several  times  in  Galilee 
it  was  told  us  that  soldiers  were  on  their  way  to 
seize  us.  We  have  scattered  like  sheep  that  have 
no  shepherd.  We  have  hidden  in  the  woods  and 
among  the  rocks,  like  wild  goats  that  fear  the 
teeth  of  young  lions. 

MEIER 

It  is  a  hard  life,  Iscariot. 
JUDAS 

We  often  have  sat  in  the  night  under  the  open 
sky  and  listened  to  him.  His  voice  is  like  music 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  TH£  TEjyjPI^     101 

in  the  night.  It  is  like  the  voice  of  a  shepherd 
calling  his  sheep  that  have  scattered.  It  is  like 
far  away  music,  soft  and  low.  Sometimes  he 
spoke  to  us  and  sometimes  to  his  Father,  just  a 
little  beyond  the  stars.  And  we  almost  have  seen 
his  Father,  and  almost  have  heard  the  angels  sing 
ing  beautiful  songs  of  the  world  that  shall  be. 

MEIER 
It  is  wonderful,  Iscariot. 

JUDAS 

One  night  when  the  moon  looked  like  a  silver 
shield,  and  the  stars  like  blossoms  in  a  field,  our 
brother  disciple  John  thought  he  saw  the  Father, 
and  giving  forth  a  loud  cry,  he  gave  up  his  ghost, 
and  fell  as  if  lifeless  into  the  arms  of  the  master. 
But  here  in  Jerusalem  everything  is  different. 
Our  master  must  show  his  Father  to  the  people. 
He  must  do  something  wonderful  by  the  hand  of 
the  Lord. 

MEIER 

Then  will  I  too  follow  him.  But  if  he  fail, 
and  the  Lord  will  not  hear  him,  how  can  he  still 
say  he  is  Messias? 

JUDAS 

He  cannot.  If  he  fail,  I  will  go  back  to 
Kerioth  after  the  Feast.  I  will  remember  his  love 
and  forget  his  madness. 


io2  JESUS  i   A  PASSION  PLAY 

MEIER 

Let  Us  make  him  give  proof  that  God  is  his 
Father.  Does  he  not  say  that  God  is  his  father? 

JUDAS 
He  says  that. 

MEIER 

Let  us  make  him  give  proof  his  words  will 
reach  the  ear  of  God,  and  the  heavens  open  at  his 
voice,  and  the  hand  of  God  stretch  down  to  help 
him.  One  sign  from  the  clouds  and  Jerusalem 
will  be  at  his  feet,  and  you  and  all  his  followers 
will  know  the  glory  that  he  told  you  of. 

JUDAS 
How  will  you  make  him  give  a  sign? 

MEIER 
Soldiers  might  lay  hold  of  him.  .  .  . 

JUDAS 

No,  no! 

MEIER 

Wait  till  I  have  finished.  He  might  be  brought 
before  the  Sanhedrin  or  before  Pilate,  and  a  sign 
demanded  of  him.  If  he  perform  a  great  mira 
cle,  all  will  believe  in  him  —  O  gladly  believe  in 
him !  But  it  must  not  be  a  trick. 

JUDAS 
You  do  not  know  him,  Rabbi. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      103 

MEIER 
We  must  see  the  hand  of  God. 

JUDAS 

Yes,  we  must  see  the  hand  of  God.  I  think 
he  will  show  us  the  hand  of  God. 

MEIER 

If  he  be  held  a  prisoner,  we  shall  see  if  God 
will  release  him. 

JUDAS 

But  should  he  fail,  and  God  not  hear  his 
cries?  .  .  . 

MEIER 

Everybody  will  know  of  it,  and  he  can  no 
longer  deceive  the  people.  Probably  he  will  go 
back  to  Nazareth  and  you  to  Kerioth  —  both 
wiser. 

JUDAS 
You  will  not  let  any  harm  be  done  him? 

MEIER 

No  hand  shall  touch  him  ruthlessly.  Let  him 
lift  himself  up  and  ride  a  little  on  the  clouds. 
How  then  could  the  people  deny  him? 

JUDAS 
They  could  not. 

MEIER 
The  people  will  honor  you.  Our  children's 


io4  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

children  will  tell  how  you  forced  God  to  show 
himself.  Your  glory  will  be  great.  You  will  be 
numbered  with  the  prophets. 

JUDAS 

I  will  help  you,  Rabbi.  I  do  not  care  anything 
about  glory.  I  am  very  tired.  I  grieve  for  the 
kingdom,  for  a  world  of  peace  and  love.  .  .  . 

MEIER 

We  will  help  each  other.  [  They  embrace  and 
kiss.~\  Iscariot,  go  yonder  and  look  out  upon  the 
valley,  and  see  if  he  is  coming. 

[Judas  goes  off  at  left.  Terreno,  the  captain 
of  the  Roman  guards,  scribes,  Pharisees  and 
priests,  who  have  been  waiting  at  a  little  distance, 
approach  Meier. ~] 

TERRENO 

The  guards  are  ready  in  the  Tower.  I  need 
only  lift  my  hand  and  they  will  rush  down  upon 
the  Temple.  But  I  will  not  lift  my  hand  to  crush 
a  mouse,  nor  to  defend  traders  and  money 
changers,  nor  priests  and  Doctors  of  the  Law 
against  a  rebellious  teacher. 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

But  if  he 'is  an  enemy  of  Rome,  a  planter  of 
revolutionary  seed,  a  builder  of  secret  fires?  .  .  . 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      105 

TERRENO 

I  know  he  is  an  enemy  of  Israel.  I  have  not 
heard  him  say  anything  against  Rome.  Yesterday 
he  snapped  his  finger  in  your  faces. 

LEVI 
To-day  he  will  snap  his  finger  at  Caesar. 

MEIER 

He  must  not  be  taken  as  long  as  the  people 
cling  to  him. 

LEVI 
We  do  not  want  another  fight  in  the  Temple. 

MEIER 

He  has  some  strange  charm  that  binds  the  peo 
ple.  Grown  men  that  listen  to  him  often,  like 
young  lovers,  gaze  much  at  the  moon. 

TERRENO 

He  is  ugly  to  look  upon.  His  face  is  horrible. 
How  can  the  people  cleave  to  one  whose  face  is  so 
horrible?  It  is  the  face  of  a  dead  man,  a  face  of 
ivory  crowned  with  matted  hair.  I  think  he  is 
underfed,  a  seer  of  strange  visions.  He  should 
eat  more.  I  think  he  does  not  sleep  enough. 
His  eyes  are  like  glass.  When  he  speaks  he 
whines  like  a  fox  that  is  wooing. 

LEVI 
It  is  said  his  voice  was  like  thunder  yesterday, 


106  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

or  like  the  roaring  of  young  lions  in  the  moun 
tains. 

[The  Court  is  rapidly  filling  with  people,  but 
not  so  many  as  yesterday.  Jachin,  overseer,  has 
tily  approaches  the  group. ~\ 

JACHIN 

Worthy  fathers,  the  traders  are  clamoring  to 
bring  back  their  animals  into  the  Court.  Upon 
the  street  there  are  many  more  competitors  and 
prices  are  low. 

LEVI 
Tell  them  to  be  silent. 

JACHIN 

They  say  he  will  not  come  again  to-day.  They 
have  gathered  many  persons  to  their  side.  There 
are  secret  mutterings.  They  say  he  is  afraid  to 
come  again  to-day. 

SHOLEM 

(Old  Priest) 

Tell  them  to  cease  clamoring  in  the  house  of 
God. 

LEVI 

Tell  them  the  Council  forbids  any  disturbance. 
Tell  them  it  is  dangerous  to  disobey  the  Council. 

JACHIN 

I  told  them  that.  They  laughed  and  said, 
"  Jesus  of  Nazareth  did  not  find  the  Council  dan- 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      107 

gerous.     Perhaps  if  we  pay  him  the  Temple  rent, 
he  will  permit  us  to  drive  back  our  sheep  and 


oxen." 


SHOLEM 
These  traders  weary  me. 

MEIER 

They  are  like  flies  about  a  carcass. 
[Booz,  with  money  changers  and  other  traders, 
approaches  the  group.] 

Booz 

We  are  going  to  drive  back  our  sheep  and  oxen 
into  the  Temple. 

JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

[Indignant.]      The  Council  forbids  it! 

Booz 

We  have  paid  the  rent  to  sell  in  the  Temple. 
There  is  no  one  here  to  prevent  us.  This  is  the 
day  of  all  the  year  for  trade.  We  cannot  lose 
this  day.  To-morrow  everything  is  over.  To 
morrow  is  the  Feast.  We  shall  drive  the  animals 
in  again. 

LEVI 

[To  Jachin.~\  Have  the  guards  seen  any  ap 
proaching  procession  as  yesterday? 

JACHIN 
There  is  no  procession  coming. 


io8  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

MEIER 

Are  they  watching  toward  the  Mount  of 
Olives? 

JACHIN 

They  are  watching  toward  the  Mount  of 
Olives.  But  they  are  confused.  They  cannot  re 
member  his  face. 

Booz 

He  will  not  come  again  to-day.  We  will  drive 
in  our  animals.  He  is  afraid  to  come  again  to 
day. 

A  LOUD  VOICE 

[Among  the  people,  near  the  center  of  the 
Court.]  O  sheep,  hear  the  shepherd  lest  you  be 
devoured !  In  the  Temple  crawls  the  serpent  and 
behind  the  door  the  wolf  is  hidden !  .  .  . 

[The  scribes,  Pharisees,  and  traders  startle. 
There  is  a  pause.] 

TERRENO 

[Smiling.']      It  is  the  voice  of  the  fox. 
[  The  people  give  way,  and  for  a  moment  Jesus 
stands  alone  in  the  center.] 

Booz 
We  could  take  him  now. 

LEVI 
[Aside  to  Booz.]     Stand  away.      [Aside  to  the 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      109 

Pharisees,  priests,  and  scribes.']      Now  let  each  do 
his  duty,  neither  overanxiously  nor  carelessly. 

JOSEPH 

(Arimathean) 

[Walking  away.]      I  wash  my  hands  of  this. 

LEVI 
You  did  that  in  the  Council  yesterday. 

JESUS 

[In  a  loud  'voice  as  before.']  The  evil  men  do 
in  darkness  shall  be  seen  in  daylight.  They  shall 
tremble  and  be  trodden  under  foot.  They  shall 
be  pierced  by  the  sword! 

SHOLEM 

(Old  Priest) 

Is  he  referring  to  the  traders? 
Booz 

(Trader) 

He  is  referring  to  the  priests. 

A  VOICE  IN  THE  CROWD 
It  is  Jesus  of  Nazareth! 

THE  DISCIPLES  AND  OTHERS 
Hear   Jesus,   ...  the    friend   of   the   people! 
.  .  .  He  drove  out  the  traders !  .  .  .  He  is  going 
to  speak!   .  .  .  Hear  him!  .  .  . 

[Jesus  moves  forward,  followed  by  Peter,  John, 
James,  and  other  of  his  disciples.  Many  persons 


i io  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

gather  round  him;  among  them  the  scribes,  Phari 
sees,  elders,  and  priests.  Throughout  the  follow 
ing,  at  various  intervals,  in  the  background,  the 
traders  may  be  seen  arguing  with  David  the  Da 
mascene,  Zarah  the  Jerusalemite,  Nathan  the 
Galilean,  and  others  who  are  guarding  the  places 
and  passages  formerly  occupied  by  the  traders. 
Booz  and  Dathan  mingle  in  the  crowd  around 
Jesus,  often  standing  very  near  him."] 

PETER 
Master,  see  the  traders  near  the  balustrade. 

JAMES 
They  want  to  lead  their  cattle  back. 

MATTHEW 

They  say  they  have  paid  the  rent  and  will  lead 
them  back. 

JESUS 

[Vehemently.]  Already  their  sins  are  as 
mountains!  If  they  repent  not  they  shall  be  cast 
into  the  valley  of  filth,  to  be  eaten  by  worms. 
They  shall  sleep  in  the  dust.  They  shall  be  with 
ered  by  fire !  Woe  unto  you  traders  and  changers 
that  lust  after  silver  and  gold!  .  .  . 

[Cries  of  approbation  from  the  people.~\ 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

Rabbi,   who  gave  you   authority  to  say  what 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      in 

shall  be  done  and  what  shall  not  be  done  here  in 
the  Temple? 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
[Amid  hisses.]     We  will  hear  Jesus!  .  .  . 

A  SADDUCEE 

[Angered.]      Have  we  no  longer  any  respect 
for  our  priests? 

ANOTHER 
It  is  Levi  that  asks  a  question. 

JESUS 

[Raising  his  hand  to   the  people.]      Let  him 
speak. 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

I  ask  by  what  authority  you  do  these  things  here 
in  the  Temple? 

JESUS 

Tell  me  from  whence  John  received  his  author 
ity  to  baptize  —  was  it  from  God  or  from  man? 

LEVI 

John?     Do  you  mean  him  the  Tetrarch  slew  — 
him  called  the  Baptist? 

JESUS 
The  same. 

LEVI 
I  was  speaking  of  you,  not  the  Baptist. 


ii2  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 

If  you  answer  me,  I  will  answer  you. 

[Levi,  Meier,  and  Judah  whisper  a  moment 
among  themselves.] 

LEVI 

I  cannot  tell  from  whence  John  received  his 
authority. 

JESUS 

Then  I  will  not  tell  you  from  whence  I  re 
ceived  mine.  But  I  will  ask  you  another  ques 
tion.  A  man  had  two  sons  whom  he  bade  to 
work  in  his  vineyard.  The  first  said,  "  I  will  not 
go,"  but  afterwards  repented  and  went.  The  sec 
ond  said,  "  I  go,"  but  went  not.  Which  of  the 
two  did  his  father's  will? 

LEVI 
The  first. 

JESUS 

Therefore,  I  tell  you  that  the  tax  gatherers 
and  harlots  will  go  into  the  kingdom  of  God  be 
fore  you.  They  by  their  shameful  lives  rebelled, 
but  afterwards  repented  and  went  into  their 
Father's  vineyard.  You  rebel  not,  but  you  go 
not. 

JOSE 

(Old  Priest) 

[To  Terreno,  standing  by  his  side  on  the  outer 
edge  of  the  crowd.]  What  is  he  saying  now? 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      113 

TERRENO 

I  think  he  is  saying  that  scribes  and  priests  are 
not  as  good  as  tax  gatherers  and  harlots. 

JOSE 

O  it  is  shameful! 

[The  scribes,  Pharisees,  elders,  priests,  and 
their  followers,  look  questioninaly  upon  one  an 
other,  and  for  a  moment  move  about  Jesus  in  a 
threatening  manner  J\ 

Booz 

[Agitated,  to  Jesus.]  Do  you  dare  to  talk  so 
to  a  priest! 

[Levi  motions  Booz  to  be  silent.] 

JESUS 

[  To  the  people.]  Will  you  hear  another  para 
ble? 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
We  will  hear !  .  .  .  Tell  us  another  parable ! 

JESUS 

A  man  made  a  vineyard  —  planted  vines,  dug 
a  wine  press,  built  a  tower  —  and  set  hedge  all 
around  it.  Then  he  let  it  to  vinedressers,  and  he 
went  into  another  country.  .  .  . 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

[Interrupting.]      Is  this  a  new  parable? 


ii4  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 
It  has  not  been  told  before. 

MEIER 

\With  an  air  of  triumph.]  It  was  told  by  the 
prophet  Isaiah. 

JESUS 

Thus  far  it  is  like  to  that  told  by  the  prophet; 
but  I  have  not  finished.  .  .  .  And  when  the  sea 
son  came  and  the  man  sent  for  his  portion  of  the 
fruit,  the  vinedressers  beat  his  servant  and  drove 
him  away  empty.  He  sent  another  and  they 
struck  him  on  the  head;  and  still  another,  whom 
they  killed.  Then  he  sent  his  beloved  son. 
They  killed  him  also.  When  the  lord  of  the 
vineyard  comes,  what  will  he  do  to  these  vine 
dressers? 

LEVI 

No  doubt  he  will  destroy  them  and  let  the  vine 
yard  to  others. 

JESUS 

O  you  —  all  of  you,  repent  before  the  Lord  of 
the  vineyard  shall  come  —  O  you  that  kill  the 
prophets  and  reject  the  Son  of  the  Lord  of  the 
vineyard!  The  days  of  the  world  are  numbered 
like  the  days  of  a  man  that  is  old!  .  .  . 

[The  people  murmur  approval.] 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      115 

LEVI 

Are  you  trying  to  tell  us  that  you  are  the  be 
loved  Son  of  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard?     Are  you 
telling  us  that  you  are  Messias? 
[Jesus  is  silent. ] 

MEIER 

Rabbi,  are  you  not  really  a  carpenter  who  lived 
awhile  at  Cana?  Was  not  your  father's  name 
Joseph?  And  was  he  not  a  carpenter  before  you? 

JESUS 

[In  a  loud  voice.]  O  men  of  Jerusalem,  you 
are  like  the  builders  that  reject  the  stone  which 
was  afterwards  set  up  as  the  top-stone  of  the 
house !  O  men  of  Jerusalem,  you  that  kill  the 
prophets  and  stone  them  that  are  sent  to  you,  how 
often  would  I  have  gathered  you  together,  as  a 
hen  gathers  her  chickens  under  her  wings;  but  you 
would  not!  Unless  you  change  your  ways,  the 
Lord  will  not  come  again  to  this  Temple  of  Israel. 
T  also  will  forsake  you  until  you  shall  say  to  me, 
"  Blessed  is  he  that  comes  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord." 

[The  people  show  some  confusion,  many  of 
them  questioning  one  another.] 

JOSE 

(Old  Priest) 

[To  Terreno.']  Does  he  deny  that  he  is  a  car 
penter? 


u6  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 
I  think  he  is  saying  that  he  is  Messias. 

JOSE 
O  shame,  .  .  .  blasphemy! 

JUDAH 

(Scribe), 

[To  Jesus.]  Master,  which  is  the  first  of  all 
the  commandments  ?  Many  and  long  hours  have 
we  contended  in  the  schools  to  classify,  weigh,  and 
measure  the  order  of  the  Laws.  Do  you  lean 
toward  the  opinions  of  the  Shammaites  or  Hillel- 
ites?  Or  perhaps  you  lean  toward  neither. 

JESUS 

The  first  commandment  is,  "  You  shall  love  the 
Lord  with  all  your  heart."     And  like  it  is  this, 
'  You  shall  love  your  neighbor  as  yourself." 

JUDAH 

But,  Master,  who  is  my  neighbor?  The  world 
is  big  and  there  are  many  people.  Will  you  give 
us  your  authorities  that  these  are  the  first  com 
mandments?  Will  you  lead  us  step  by  step 
through  the  ways  of  your  reasoning,  naming  the 
sages  whose  opinions  you  follow,  and  where  and 
why  you  depart  from  that  one  and  cling  to  this 
one? 

[A  pause.     Jesus  shows  irritation.'] 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      117 
JOHN 

(Disciple), 

Master,  tell  him  the  parable  of  the  Samaritan 
as  you  told  it  to  us. 

JAMES 

(Disciple) 

Tell  him,  Master,  then  he  will  understand  who 
is  his  neighbor. 

JESUS 

Once  a  man  was  going  from  Jerusalem  to 
Jericho,  and  he  fell  among  robbers.  They 
stripped  him  and  beat  him,  leaving  him  half  dead. 
By  chance  a  priest  passed  that  way;  and  when  he 
saw  the  man  he  went  on  the  other  side.  .  .  . 

JUDAH 

(Scribe) 

[Interrupting.]  I  did  not  ask  you  for  a  tale 
or  parable.  I  asked  you  for  the  authorities  and 
for  the  steps  of  reasoning  by  which  you  came  to 
your  opinion  as  to  which  commandment  is  first 
and  which  second  and  so  on.  I  asked  for  the 
names  of  the  great  Rabbis  whose  teachings  you 
follow. 

SEVERAL  DISCIPLES 

Master,  go  on  with  the  story!  .  .  .  We  will 
hear  the  parable ! 


ii8  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 

And  a  Levite  also,  when  he  came  to  the  place, 
passed  by  on  the  other  side.  But  a  Samaritan 
came  upon  the  man  and  pitied  him.  He  bound 
up  his  wounds,  and  set  him  on  his  own  horse,  and 
brought  him  to  an  inn,  and  cared  for  him.  And 
the  next  day  he  took  money  from  his  own  pocket 
and  gave  it  to  the  host,  saying,  "  Care  for  him, 
and  if  more  is  needed,  I  will  repay  you  when  I 
return  again."  [Turning  to  Judah.'}  Which  of 
these  three  was  neighbor  to  him  that  fell  among 
thieves? 

[Judah  is  silent.] 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
The  Samaritan !  .  .  .  the  Samaritan  I  .  .  . 

SIMEON 

(Scribe) 

[Standing  at  one  side  of  the  crowd.  To  Zera, 
scribe,  and  Joseph  the  Arimathean.~]  I  think  he 
is  too  ignorant  to  be  confounded.  See  how  he 
evaded  Judah's  question. 

ZERA 

He  knows  little  of  the  Law,  less  of  the 
prophets,  and  nothing  of  what  the  great  scribes 
have  taught.  He  is  ignorant,  but  shrewd.  If  he 
had  at  least  a  little  learning,  they  might  easily 
make  him  ridiculous. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      119 

SIMEON 

They  have  not  made  any  progress  yet.  Judah 
was  too  urgent;  he  irritated  the  people. 

ZERA 
See,  Meier  is  again  pressing  in  toward  him. 

SIMEON 

And  with  him  Saras.  They  have  been  whis 
pering  together.  I  do  not  always  agree  with 
Saras,  but  there  is  no  more  learned  man  in 
Jerusalem.  He  will  confound  him. 

JOSEPH 

(Arimathean) 

I  shall  have  no  joy  in  it.  He  is  filled  with 
a  great  love.  Is  there  so  much  love  in  the 
world?  .  .  .  [They  continue  talking  and  disput 
ing  among  themselves.] 

SARAS 

(Scribe) 

[To  Jesus.']  Rabbi,  the  prophets  have  told  us 
that  Messias  will  be  a  descendant  of  King  David 
and  will  be  born  at  Bethlehem. 

MEIER 

(Pharisee) 

Perhaps  we  have  misjudged  you.  Perhaps  you 
really  do  not  make  any  claim  for  yourself.  Tell 
us,  is  it  not  true  that  you  were  born  at  Nazareth 


120  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

and   that   your   father   was    a    carpenter   named 
Joseph? 

JESUS 

If  Messias  shall  be  a  son  of  David,  why  did 
David  —  speaking  of  him  —  call  him  Lord? 
Does  a  father  call  his  son  lord?  Messias  is  not 
to  be  a  son  of  David. 

SARAS 

But  the  prophets  say  that  Messias  will  be  of  the 
seed  of  David  and  will  be  born  at  Bethlehem. 

MEIER 
Do  you  believe  the  prophets? 

JESUS 

[In  a  loud  voice.]  O  you  scribes  and  Phari 
sees  that  question  me,  you  read  the  Law  and  the 
prophets,  but  you  follow  after  worldly  things! 
You  clean  the  outside  of  the  cup  and  platter,  but 
the  inside  you  leave  unclean!  .  .  . 

[Some  of  the  crowd  murmur  approval,  others 
walk  away  in  disgust] 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

Here  are  two  traders  muttering  threats  and 
pushing  the  people  about. 

ANDREW 

(Disciple) 

They  are  talking  and  annoying  everybody. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      121 

[Several  persons  lay  hands  on  Booz  and 
Dathan.] 

NATHAN 

(Galilean) 

Jesus,  shall  we  cast  them  out? 
SEVERAL  PERSONS 

They  are  two  that  fought  us  yesterday!  .  .  . 
Let  us  put  them  out,  .  .  .  throw  them  over  the 
balustrade !  .  .  .  They  were  muttering  threats ! 

JESUS 

Let  them  stay  unharmed. 
JAMES 

(Disciple) 

But,  Master,  they  are  evil,  they  are  sinful  men! 

JESUS 

Let  them  stay. 

[Booz  and  Dathan  are  released,  and  they  dis 
appear.  A  little  later  they  return  and  may  be 
seen  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  crowd.'} 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

[Surrounded  by  other  Sadducees.  To  Jesus.} 
I  am  a  Sadducee.  I  do  not  believe  in  angels, 
spirits,  and  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  as  do  the 
Pharisees.  I  have  been  told,  Rabbi,  that  you  be 
lieve  the  dead  arise.  But  how  can  this  be? 
Moses  has  commanded  that  should  a  man  die 


122  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

childless,  his  brother  should  marry  his  widow  and 
bring  up  children.  Now  listen  to  this.  There 
were  seven  brothers.  The  first  married  and  died 
childless.  The  second  married  his  widow,  as 
Moses  commanded,  and  he  likewise  died  childless. 
And  the  third  married  her  and  died  without  a 
child,  and  the  fourth,  and  so  on  until  the  seventh, 
none  bringing  forth  any  children.  After  that  the 
woman  died.  If  the  dead  arise,  whose  wife  of 
the  seven  brothers  shall  she  be? 

PETER 

[Indignant .]  It  is  not  a  true  story.  Who 
were  the  brothers?  Where  did  they  live? 
What  were  their  names? 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

It  has  happened  many  times  with  two  or  three 
brothers. 

AMIEL 

(Priest) 

We  can  give  the  names  of  such  a  case  with  four 
brothers. 

DARPHAS 

What  does  it  matter?  It  might  happen  to 
seven  brothers.  It  is  the  same  whether  it  hap 
pen  to  two,  three,  or  seven.  I  ask  whose  wife 
shall  she  be  in  the  other  world?  Is  it  not  absurd? 
Make  a  picture  of  the  seven  brothers  tugging  at 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      123 

her  in  Paradise,  each  claiming  her  for  himself. 
[The  S  adduce  cs  laugh J\ 

AMIEL 

If  the  fourth  get  her,  will  not  the  others  plot 
against  him?  If  the  first  persuade  her,  saying, 
"  I  knew  her  first,"  will  not  the  seventh  say,  "  I 
knew  her  last "? 

DARPHAS 

Might  not  the  fifth,  with  these  same  arguments, 
truly  contend  against  them  both,  saying  that  she 
was  his  wife  after  she  belonged  to  the  first  and 
before  she  belonged  to  the  seventh?  It  is  ab 
surd  ! 

AMIEL 

Or  shall  she  live  with  the  seven,  each  in  turn? 
Or  shall  they  divide  her  into  seven  parts? 

[The  Sadducees  laugh.~] 

DARPHAS 

Or  shall  each  address  his  love  to  only  a  seventh 
part  of  her  living?  Which  will  take  a  hand  and 
which  a  foot?  And  shall  they  draw  lots,  each  for 
a  part  of  her? 

[More  laughter  in  which  many  of  the  people 
join.} 

DARPHAS 

Is  it  not  absurd?  But  what  say  you,  Master, 
whose  wife  shall  she  be?  And  how  shall  each  be 
satisfied? 


i24  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 

{Irritated.}  You  do  not  understand  the 
scriptures!  In  the  world  of  the  kingdom  of  the 
resurrection  there  is  no  marriage.  The  people 
of  the  resurrection  are  not  men  and  women  like 
the  people  of  this  world.  They  are  like  the 
angels. 

THOMAS 

(Disciple) 

Master,  the  Sadducees  have  ceased  to  laugh. 

[A  ripple  of  laughter  at  the  Sadducees  goes 
over  the  people.  Darphas  and  Amiel  retreat 
from  Jesus.  On  the  outside  of  the  crowd  stands 
Simeon,  Zera,  Jose  and  Terreno.] 

SIMEON 

Everything  has  failed.  But  the  Herodians  will 
trap  him.  They  will  ask  him  if  it  is  right  for  us 
to  pay  taxes  to  Caesar. 

ZERA 

If  he  says  "  Yes,"  the  people  will  hate  him  and 
desert  him,  for  the  people  hate  the  taxes.  If  he 
says  "  No/'  he  is  in  revolt  against  Caesar. 

JOSE 
It  is  wonderful.     Either  way  he  cannot  escape. 

TERRENO 

If  he  declares  against  the  taxes,  I  shall  ask  the 
Governor  to  let  us  take  him  to-night. 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      125 

SIMEON 

He  condemned  the  Temple  authorities  yester 
day.  He  will  condemn  Caesar  to-day,  you  shall 
see.  He  knows  what  pleases  the  people.  If 
everything  else  fails,  Levi  and  I  are  to  question 
him  about  a  woman. 

[Terreno  moves  quickly  into  the  crowd  and 
stands  a  little  way  back  of  Jesus. ,] 

PETER 

[To  the  crowd.]      Do  not  press  so  closely  upon 
him.     Stand  back  a  little. 
[The  crowd  moves  back.~\ 

HANAN 

(Herodian) 

[To  Jesus.]  Rabbi,  we  believe  you  under 
stand  the  ways  of  God;  and  that  you  teach  the 
truth  as  you  understand  it,  regardless  of  the  opin 
ions  of  any  man.  Only  yesterday  we  were  again 
discussing  whether  it  is  lawful  and  right  that  we 
here  in  Judea  pay  personal  taxes  to  Caesar.  In 
Galilee  you  do  not  pay  personal  taxes  to  Caesar. 

ZARAH 

(Jerusalemite) 

That  is  a  sensible  question,  and  Jesus  will  an 
swer  it  sensibly. 

OTHER  PERSONS 

We  want  no  more/  Roman  taxes !  .  .  .  Jesus  of 
Nazareth  stands  by  the  people !  .  .  . 


126  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

HANAN 

[To  Jesus.]  Is  it  lawful  and  right  for  us  in 
Jerusalem  and  Judea,  and  even  for  the  half- Jews 
in  Samaria,  to  pay  this  tribute  to  Rome?  You 
are  said  to  love  what  is  lawful  and  just.  Is  this 
tax  lawful  and  just? 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 

Jesus  stands  by  the  people!  .  .  .  We  want  no 
more  foreign  taxes!  .  .  .  Let  him  answer!  .  .  . 

JESUS 

[Raising  his  hand  to  silence  the  people.]  I 
know  why  you  ask  me  this  question.  It  is  not 
because  I  love  justice.  Around  me  prowl  wolves 
among  the  sheep.  Around  me  are  pointed  teeth 
and  sharpened  swords.  Back  of  me  stands  a 
Roman  captain.  Yonder  is  the  Tower  of  An- 
tonia,  full  of  Roman  soldiers.  But  I  will  answer. 
My  Father  is  guarding  me,  and  I  have  no  fear. 
Let  me  see  a  Roman  coin.  Have  you  one? 
[Coming  closer  to  Hanan.  Angered.]  You  — 
you  who  question  me !  show  me  a  Roman  coin. 

HANAN 

[Taking  a  coin  from  his  purse.']  Here  is  a 
denarius. 

JESUS 
[Examining  it.]      Look  at  this.      [Showing  it 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      127 

to  Hanan.~\     Whose  image  is  this?     Whose  in 
scription  is  this? 

HANAN 

But  is  it  not  unlawful  for  us  to  carry  about  the 
image  of  a  heathen?  It  is  Caesar's  image. 

JESUS 

Then  give  back  to  Caesar  the  things  that  are 
Caesar's.  Is  it  not  his  coin?  And  give  to  God 
the  things  that  are  God's.  .  .  .  [In  a  loud 
voice.']  O  men  of  Jerusalem,  who  waste  words, 
louder  and  louder  I  hear  in  the  Temple  the  sing 
ing  of  the  scythe  of  the  reaper  of  death!  The 
sky  shall  be  torn  open  and  the  earth  be  cleansed 
by  fire.  Contend  not  over  little  things,  for  they 
are  as  a  breath;  but  make  clean  your  hearts  ere 
the  terror  of  the  day  of  judgment. 

[Some  of  the  people  at  the  back  push  forward 
trying  to  hear  and  understand  what  Jesus  is  say- 
ing.'] 

MATTHEW 

[Calling  to  them.']  He  has  answered.  He 
says  give  to  Caesar  what  is  his,  and  to  God  what 
is  His. 

[On  one  side  of  the  crowd  some  of  the  scribes, 
Pharisees  and  priests  are  standing  in  conference.] 


128  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

[As    he  passes    them   on   his   way   out   of   the 
Court.']     He  has  beaten  you. 

ZERA 

(Scribe) 

He  does  not  answer  like  an  honest  man. 
SARAS 

(Scribe) 

When  he  is  confused,  he  changes  the  subject 
and  talks  loud  to  assure  the  crowd. 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

He  is  altogether  ridiculous. 

ZERA 

He  will  fall  yet.  He  mingles  freely  with  out 
casts  and  harlots.  He  will  be  shown  one  pres 
ently,  and  if  he  cleaves  to  her  and  defends  her, 
the  people  will  turn  from  him.  Tarry  but  a  little 
longer. 

TERRENO 

He  is  slippery  like  an  eel  and  cunning  like  a 
fox.  [Contemptuously. ,]  He  has  beaten  you. 
[Passes  of.] 

[Meier  and  Judas,  who  have  been  standing  to 
gether  for  a  short  time,  pass  of,  engaged  in 
earnest  conversation.  Presently  at  back  and  left 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      129 

loud  cries  are  heard,  and  there  begins  to  be  angry 
pushing  and  pulling  in  the  crowd.~\ 

Booz 

(Trader) 

[At  back.']  Call  the  soldiers,  the  people  are 
fighting. 

BENJAMIN 

(Trader) 

Call  the  Romans  to  bring  order! 
DAT HAN 

(Money  Changer) 

[Hiding  behind  the  others. ]  Seize  the  lead 
ers!  .  .  .  Call  the  soldiers  from  the  Tower! 

[The  money  changers  and  traders  and  their  fol 
lowers  may  be  seen  agitating  the  people,  and  now 
and  then  striking  a  blow.] 

JESUS 

[In  a  loud  voice.~\  Must  we  again  drive  out 
the  traders? 

MANY  VOICES 

The  traders  are  provoking  the  people!  .  .  . 
Let  us  drive  them  out  again !  .  .  .  Let  us  throw 
them  over  the  balustrade!  .  .  .  Away  with  the 
traders!  .  .  .  Here  are  the  two  who  caused  the 
fight  yesterday,  ...  let  us  take  them ! 

[The  crowd  menacingly  turns  its  attention  to 


I3o  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

back.     Booz  and  Dathan  rush  off  at  left,  followed 
by  other  agitators.'] 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

Let  us  overtake  them!  .  .  .  Come,  .  .  . 
come ! 

JAMES 

Master,  shall  we  overtake  them? 
JESUS 

{Standing  before  the  people.'}  Peace,  peace, 
they  are  gone ! 

[At  right  and  back  another  disturbance  has 
arisen.  Temple  guards,  followed  by  scribes  and 
priests,  are  partly  leading  and  partly  dragging  a 
woman  through  the  crowd.  When  they  reach 
the  circle  that  has  again  gathered  around  Jesus 
they  thrust  her  within.  She  sinks  to  her  knees, 
hiding  her  face  in  her  arms,  and  crying  pitifully.'] 

GUARD 

Silence,  woman !  How  can  anybody  hear  any 
thing  when  you  are  making  so  much  noise?  Si 
lence,  I  say! 

[The  woman  endeavors  to  smother  her  sobs. 
The  eager  crowd  gathers  close  about.} 
SIMEON 

(Scribe) 

[Excited  and  indignant.  To  Jesus.}  She  is 
an  adulteress! 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      131 
LEVI 

(Priest) 

The  guards  said  she  was  taken  in  the  very  act. 

GUARD 

[To  prostrate  woman,  still  weeping.]  Silence, 
silence,  woman ! 

SIMEON 

The  man  was  a  gentile.  [Turning  to  the 
guard]  Was  he  not  a  gentile? 

GUARD 

It  happened  last  night.  The  guards  that  took 
her  said  they  could  not  see  very  well.  The  man 
ran  away.  But  they  are  almost  sure  he  was  a 
gentile. 

MANY  PERSONS 
Shame !  .  .  .  Shame !  .  .  . 

SIMEON 

\To  Jesus]  She  has  dishonored  our  race. 
You  know  the  Law.  You  know  what  Moses  com 
manded  us  to  do  with  such  a  woman ! 

LEVI 
He  commanded  us  to  stone  her ! 

SIMEON 

Jesus,  what  do  you  say  we  shall  do  with  her? 
[A  pause] 


132  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 

I  am  not  appointed  to  judge  her.  What  differ 
ence  would  it  make  if  I  say,  "  Set  her  free,"  or, 
"Stone  her"? 

LEVI 

We  want  to  hear  your  opinion  about  adulter 
esses.  Do  you  not  sometimes  mingle  with  them 
and  sup  with  them  and  in  the  night  .  .  . 

JESUS 
[Aroused.]      Do  you  ask  me  to  judge  her? 

SIMEON 

We  want  the  people  to  hear  what  you  think 
about  adulteresses.  If  the  people  approve  your 
judgment,  who  knows  but  that  they  may  give  it 
the  power  of  Law  and  fulfill  it?  Such  things 
have  been.  Shall  we  set  her  free  or  shall  we 
bruise  her  flesh  with  stones  till  she  die? 

[  The  woman,  still  prostrate  and  hiding  her  face, 
again  cries  aloud  pitifully. ] 

GUARD 

[Jerking  her  by  the  arm.]  Silence,  silence,  I 
say! 

LEVI 

What  do  you  answer,  Nazarene,  shall  she  live 
or  die? 

[There  is  a  moment's  suspense.] 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      133 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

Take  her  away!  .  .  .  Let  her  not  defile  the 
Temple !  .  .  .  She  is  horrible ! 

[All  eyes  turn  upon  Jesus.  He  stands  looking 
down  upon  her.} 

THE  WOMAN 

[Amid  sobs.']  O  do  not  look  at  me!  Do 
not  look  at  me ! 

GUARD 
Silence,  woman! 

SIMEON 

Prophet  of  Galilee,  what  do  you  say  we  shall 
do  with  her?  You  do  not  answer. 

JESUS 

[In  a  loud  voice.'}      Stone  her! 
[Some  of  the  people  appear  moved  by  aston 
ishment  and  repulsion.} 

A  VOICE 
We  do  not  stone  adulteresses  any  longer. 

PETER 
Master,  Master,  surely  not  kill  her? 

JAMES 

(Disciple) 

Master,  what  has  happened  ?  Have  you  turned 
against  the  lowly? 


134  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

[  The  other  disciples,  confused,  clamor  around 
Jesus.] 

SIMEON 

(Scribe) 

We  will  stone  her!  [Turning  to  the  people.] 
Do  you  hear?  We  will  stone  her!  Your 
prophet  has  commanded  us  to  stone  her! 

GUARD 

[Moving  to  seize  the  woman.']  Where  shall 
we  take  her  to  be  killed? 

JESUS 

We  will  kill  her  here  in  the  Temple!  Fetch 
stones ! 

MANY  PERSONS 

No,  ...  no!  ...  We  will  not  stone  her! 
.  .  .  It  is  horrible!  ...  It  is  terrible  to  stone  a 
woman!  .  .  .  Cast  her  out!  .  .  . 

[On  all  sides  are  movements  of  dissatisfaction 
and  cries  of  protest] 

JESUS 

[In  a  loud  voice]  We  will  kill  her!  Fetch 
stones ! 

A  VOICE 

The  Nazarene  is  right!  Adulteresses  should 
die! 

SEVERAL  VOICES 
She  shall  die!  .      .  We  will  kill  her! 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      135 

OTHER  VOICES 

No,  no!  ...  Cast  her  out!  .  .  .  We  will  not 
kill  her!  .  .  . 

JESUS 

[Lifting  his  hands .]  Silence!  Silence!  .  .  . 
Let  him  who  is  without  sin  stand  forth,  for  he 
shall  throw  the  first  stone  at  her ! 

[The  agitation  quiets  a  little.  The  people 
seem  confused.] 

A  VOICE 
Without  sin!  —  what  does  he  mean? 

ANOTHER 
No  one  is  without  sin! 

ANOTHER 
Who  then  shall  throw  the  first  stone? 

ANOTHER 

No  one  shall  throw  it! 
[The  tension  of  the  crowd  relaxes  still  more.] 

ANOTHER 

Perhaps  a  trader  or  a  money  changer  will  cast 
the  first  stone  at  her. 
[Some  laughter.] 

ANOTHER 

Unless  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  stand  forth 
and  say  they  are  without  sin.  .  .  . 


136  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

ANOTHER 

No  one  dare  say  he  is  without  sin ! 

JESUS 

[Angered.]  O  scribes  and  Pharisees,  why  do 
you  not  stand  forth?  Is  there  among  you  no  sin 
less  hand  to  bruise  her  flesh?  See,  she  is  lowly 
and  friendless.  .  .  . 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

No  one  dare  stand  forth !  .  .  .  No.  .  .  .  No. 
.  .  .  No  one !  .  .  . 

JESUS 

O  scribes  and  Pharisees,  you  are  like  sepulchres 
that  are  made  white  and  beautiful  outside,  but  in 
side  are  full  of  stench  and  dead  men's  bones! 

[Cheers  and  hisses.  Most  of  the  scribes, 
Pharisees,  priests  and  elders,  in  disgust,  leave  the 
Court.'] 

JESUS 

[Calling  after  them.]  You  build  the  sepul 
chres  of  the  prophets  and  garnish  the  tombs  of 
the  righteous.  You  say  if  you  had  lived  in  the 
times  of  your  fathers  you  would  not  have  mur 
dered  the  prophets.  By  that  you  witness  that 
you  are  the  sons  of  them  that  murdered  the 
prophets.  Fill  up  then  the  measure  of  your  fa 
thers. 

[The    disciples    and   followers    cheer.     Other 


DISPUTATIONS  IN  THE  TEMPLE      137 

persons  hasten  from  the  Court,  as  if  fearing  an 
other  outbreak.] 

JESUS 

[Savagely.]  You  serpents,  you  offsprings  of 
vipers,  how  shall  you  escape  the  judgments  of 
hell!  [To  the  prostrate  woman,  her  face  still 
buried  in  her  arms.']  Woman,  your  accusers  are 
gone.  They  did  not  condemn  you.  Nor  do  I 
condemn  you.  Go,  and  sin  no  more. 

THE  WOMAN 
[Rises,  weeping.]     O  Master,  Master! 

JESUS 
[Startled.]      Magdalene ! 

THE  WOMAN 
Master,  Master! 

JESUS 
Mary! 

CURTAIN 


ACT  III 
GETHSEMANE 


PERSONS  IN  ACT  III 


JESUS 

YOUNG  MARK 
His  LITTLE  SISTER 
TERRENO,   Captain   of   the 

Roman  Guards 
Booz,  Trader 
DATHAN,  Money  Changer 


PHILIP, 
THADDEUS, 
ANDREW, 
SIMON, 
JAMES  THE 
YOUNGER, 
BARTHOLOMEW, 
THOMAS, 
MATTHEW, 
JAMES, 
JOHN, 
PETER, 
JUDAS, 


Disciples 
of  Jesus 


Roman  and  Jewish  guards,  traders,  money  changers, 
and  others. 


ACT  III 

Night  of  the  same  day.  An  olive  grove  in  the 
country.  At  right  stands  a  shed  covering  an  oil 
press.  At  back  in  the  distance  arise  the  faint  out 
lines  of  Jerusalem.  The  night  is  growing  quiet. 
Now  and  then  the  moon  floods  the  scene  with 
light. 

[Young  Mark  and  his  little  sister  stand  look 
ing  toward  Jerusalem.] 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 

He  may  not  come  to-night.  He  may  sleep  in 
the  city  to-night. 

YOUNG  MARK 

I  think  he  will  come.  He  does  not  like  the 
city  in  the  night.  I  have  heard  some  one  say  that 
he  cannot  pray  in  the  city. 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 

I  cannot  see  anybody.  It  is  too  dark  to  see 
anybody.  Let  us  go  back  and  say  that  we  could 
not  find  him. 

YOUNG  MARK 
We  will  wait,  he  will  come. 


I42  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 
Do  not  go  away  from  me,  I  am  afraid. 

YOUNG  MARK 

Listen !  [A  pause.]  I  thought  I  heard  voices 
on  the  road. 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 

I  am  hearing  voices  all  the  time.  I  will  be 
afraid  when  Jesus  of  Nazareth  comes. 

YOUNG  MARK 
Why  will  you  be  afraid? 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 

Father  says  that  he  can  raise  up  persons  who 
are  dead.  I  am  afraid  he  will  bring  some  dead 
persons  with  him  to  raise  them  up.  I  do  not 
want  to  see  any  dead  persons  raised  up. 

YOUNG  MARK 
Stop  talking  about  dead  persons. 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 

Father  says  that  he  knows  the  angels  and  talks 
with  them  on  the  mountains.  I  never  have  seen 
an  angel. 

YOUNG  MARK 
I  nearly  saw  one  once. 


GETHSEMANE  143 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 
Where  ? 
\V oices  are  heard.] 

YOUNG  MARK 
They  are  coming. 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 
O,  I  am  afraid,  let  us  run  home! 

YOUNG  MARK 

Why  are  you  afraid?  He  loves  children.  He 
says  grown  persons  must  become  children  again  if 
they  want  to  go  into  the  new  kingdom.  If  you 
had  heard  him  speak  in  the  Temple  as  I  have ! 
...  I  would  like  to  follow  him  all  the  time. 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 
I  am  afraid. 

[Various  groups  of  persons  enter  from  the 
right.  It  is  too  dark  to  distinguish  any  one. ,] 

A  VOICE 
I  will  fetch  water. 

ANOTHER 
I  will  go  with  you.  [They  go  of.~\ 

ANOTHER 
I  will  sit  and  rest  awhile.  I  am  tired. 

ANOTHER 
We  will  sit  and  look  upon  the  Temple. 


144  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

YOUNG  MARK 

[Approaching  a  group.']  Are  you  the  dis 
ciples  of  Jesus? 

PETER 

Yes. 

YOUNG  MARK 

My  father  invites  Jesus  and  his  disciples  to 
sleep  in  our  house  to-night.  Will  you  tell  him 
what  my  father  says? 

[Peter  goes  toward  group  at  back.] 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 

Come,  let  us  go  home.  I  am  afraid.  See, 
yonder!  They  are  laying  down  dead  people. 
They  are  talking  to  them.  They  are  trying  to 
get  them  to  rise  up.  .  .  . 

YOUNG  MARK 

Those  are  the  disciples  lying  down  and  talking 
to  each  other.  Be  still. 

His  LITTLE  SISTER 

I   am  sure  they  are  dead  people.     They  are 
scolding  them  because  they  will  not  rise  up. 
[Peter  returns.] 

PETER 

He  says  we  shall  stay  here  in  the  garden  to 
night. 

YOUNG  MARK 

It  will  be  cold  toward  morning. 


GETHSEMANE  145 

PETER 

If  it  turns  cold  we  will  pitch  the  tents  your 
father  gave  us.  Which  of  his  sons  are  you? 

YOUNG  MARK 
I  am  John. 
[He  and  his  little  sister  hasten  off.'] 

JESUS 
[To  the  disciples.']     Are  all  here? 

PETER 
All  but  Judas. 

JOHN 

How  wonderful  is  the  night !  It  is  more  won 
derful  than  the  day,  and  each  day  is  more  won 
derful  than  the  day  before.  Yesterday  and  to 
day  our  Father  made  us  masters  of  the  Temple. 
Surely  he  is  very  near.  O,  I  am  mad  with  love 
of  Him! 

PETER 

You  and  your  brother  are  usually  mad  about 
something.  We  again  shall  have  to  call  you  the 
sons  of  thunder. 

JAMES 
[Angered.]      Do  not  call  us  that! 

PETER 
Jesus  himself  gave  you  the  name. 


146  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JOHN 

That  was  a  long  time  ago.  .  .  , 
JESUS 

Cease  to  contend. 

[  The  disciples  return  with  jugs  of  water  which 
are  passed  from  one  to  another.'} 
JAMES 

Jesus,  we  will  sit  here  by  you,  and  look  upon 
the  night,  and  talk  of  the  new  kingdom.  We  are 
kings  awaiting  the  goldsmiths  that  have  graven 
crowns  for  us. 

PETER 

Come,  Thaddeus,  Simon,  let  us  sit  here. 

[They  sit  on  the  ground  a  little  distance  from 
Jesus.  His  face  is  turned  toward  Jerusalem.'] 

THOMAS 

I  cannot  understand  why  Judas  left  us  before 
we  had  finished.  He  arose  before  we  began  to 
sing. 

JOHN 

Perhaps  the  spirit  had  come  upon  him,  and  he 
went  into  the  night  to  pray  alone  under  the  stars. 
He  yearns  for  the  kingdom. 
JAMES 

I  did  not  know  that  he  had  gone.  I  was  lost 
in  the  dream  of  the  Lord. 


GETHSEMANE  147 

BARTHOLOMEW 

He  arose  suddenly  and  went  away  without 
making  any  noise.  It  was  while  we  were  pray 
ing. 

JAMES  THE  YOUNGER 

He  did  not  contend  with  us  when  we  asked  the 
Master  to  give  us  our  places  in  the  new  kingdom. 

SIMON 

Did  he  not  say  to  anyone  why  he  was  going 
away? 

PETER 

I  saw  him  talking  to-day  with  a  Pharisee  in  the 
Temple. 

PHILIP 

O,  let  us  not  speak  of  Judas  any  more !  Look 
at  the  stars.  The  moon  is  watching  us.  It  is  the 
eye  of  God.  The  heavens  smile  upon  us.  O 
Master,  I  would  that  now  they  might  open  and 
show  us  His  face!  Is  it  beautiful?  Is  it  more 
beautiful  than  the  face  of  a  young  wife  in  the 
dawn,  or  the  face  of  a  child  sleeping  on  its  moth 
er's  breast? 

[Jesus  turns  his  head  as  if  to  answer."] 

PETER 
Do  not  disturb  him,  he  is  tired. 


148  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JAMES 

What  will  our  old  friends  say  when  they  see 
us  sitting  beside  God  in  glory? 

PHILIP 

Perhaps  they  will  hate  us. 
JAMES 

"Often  in  the  night  I  have  sat  alone  and  won 
dered  at  the  moon.  Master,  which  of  us  will 
rule  the  moon,  have  power  to  say  when  it  shall 
come  forth  in  glory  and  when  be  hidden  in  dark 
ness? 

PETER 

Do  not  disturb  him,  he  is  tired. 
JOHN 

Sometimes  in  the  night  when  the  angels  think 
we  cannot  see,  they  push  back  the  roof  of  the 
world.  Sometimes  I  think  I  almost  have  seen 
the  gold  of  the  gates  of  Paradise.  Perhaps  the 
stars  are  the  glitter  of  the  gold  of  the  gates  of 
Paradise. 

JAMES  THE  YOUNGER 

I  think  the  stars  are  as  wonderful  as  the  moon. 
They  are  so  thick  that  they  are  like  white  sand 
on  the  shore  of  a  sea. 

ANDREW 

They  are  like  scales  on  the  silver  fish  of  the 
Sea  of  Galilee. 


GETHSEMANE  149 

PHILIP 

Perhaps  they  are  silver  foot-prints  where  the 
angels  have  walked. 

JAMES 

They  are  little  white  flowers  strewn  over  the 
meadow  of  the  night. 

JAMES  THE  YOUNGER 

In  the  new  kingdom  some  of  us  will  gather  the 
stars  in  the  dawn  when  the  sun  comes  up,  and  in 
the  night  scatter  them  again  over  the  sky,  as  a 
sower  scatters  seed  over  his  fields  when  the 
Spring  has  come. 

PETER 

Do  not  talk  so  much  about  the  stars.  It  is 
tiresome. 

JOHN 

I  think  our  heavenly  Father  is  trying  to  tell 
us  something.  I  think  he  is  making  the  stars 
to  speak.  But  we  do  not  understand  the  lan 
guage  of  the  stars. 

THOMAS 
What  do  you  think  He  is  trying  to  tell  us? 

JOHN 

I  think  he  is  trying  to  tell  us  to  prepare  to  see 
His  face. 


150  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JAMES 
Let  us  sing  a  hymn. 

PETER 
Do  not  sing.     It  is  time  for  rest. 

SIMON 

I  hope  I  shall  not  be  asleep  when  the  stars  fall 
and  the  heavens  open.  O,  I  wish  my  father  might 
have  lived  to  see  these  days!  Often  as  a  child 
he  told  me  of  the  wonder  of  the  coming  of  the 
Lord. 

ANDREW 

These  two  days  in  the  Temple  I  was  afraid. 
Several  times  I  thought  of  the  soldiers  of  the 
Tetrarch  that  led  away  the  Baptist.  We  never 
saw  him  again.  Last  night  I  dreamed  of  angry 
traders,  and  I  heard  many  people  shouting  in  my 
dream. 

PETER 

We  do  not  need  to  have  any  fear.  The  angels 
are  guarding  us.  They  are  fiercer  than  the 
legions  of  Rome  and  more  beautiful  than  young 
virgins. 

JAMES  THE  YOUNGER 

Perhaps  the  stars  are  telling  us  of  the  love  of 
God. 


GETHSEMANE  151 

THOMAS 

The  love  of  God  —  I  wonder,  is  it  like  a  moth 
er's  love? 

MATTHEW 

I  think  it  is  more  like  a  father's  love.     Which 
is  it,  Master? 

JOHN 
Perhaps  it  is  like  both. 

JESUS 

In  all  the  world  there  is  no  love  like  unto  the 
love  of  God. 

JAMES  THE  YOUNGER 
Master,  is  he  also  our  Father? 

PETER 
Do  not  disturb  him,  he  is  tired. 

JESUS 
I  have  often  told  you. 

JAMES 
He  will  give  us  power  to  judge  the  world. 

PHILIP 

Perhaps  that  is  what  the  stars  are  trying  to 
tell  us. 

[A  star  darts  across  the  sky.] 

JOHN 
[Crying  out.']     Look,  look,  .  .  .  the  heavens! 


152  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

.  .  .  The  stars  are  falling!     It  is  the  sign  of  the 
beginning  of  the  judgment ! 

[Some  of  the  disciples  spring  to  their  feet. 
There  is  confusion  and  fear.~\ 

BARTHOLOMEW 
I  am  afraid.     Let  us  go  away  from  here. 

ANDREW 

How  wonderful!  It  dashed  straight  down  the 
valley.  Master,  shall  we  pray? 

THADDEUS 

I  thought  it  would  strike  the  ground  a  few 
leagues  beyond  the  city.  Let  us  sing  a  hymn. 

JESUS 

[Sitting  still.]      Peace.     It  is  nothing. 

[There  is  a  moment's  pause.  As  they  are 
about  to  sit  down  again,  another  star  darts  across 
the  sky  directly  over  them.  Jesus  arises.'] 

JOHN 
This  is  the  sign! 

PETER 
It  is  a  spear  of  gold  with  a  head  of  flame. 

JOHN 
Master,  Master,  this  is  the  sign! 

BARTHOLOMEW 
I  am  afraid.     Let  us  go  away  from  here. 


GETHSEMANE  153 

THADDEUS 
Let  us  go  to  the  shed  of  the  oil-press. 

JESUS 
Have  no  fear. 

JOHN 

I  feel  very  strange.  I  feel  that  something  is 
going  to  happen.  Master,  I  will  stand  near  you. 

JESUS 

Have  no  fear.  It  is  the  smile  of  our  Father 
on  the  face  of  the  night.  Yet  we  must  watch  and 
pray,  the  hour  may  not  be  far  off. 

PHILIP 
Look!     Are  not  the  heavens  growing  paler? 

JOHN 

Jesus,  see,  the  heavens  are  growing  paler,  as 
if  the  dawn  were  breaking  in  the  middle  of  the 
sky. 

ANDREW 

It  is  not  the  dawn.  It  is  the  night  dust  of  the 
sky,  like  the  white  dust  of  the  Dead  Sea  Desert 
when  the  wind  is  high. 

JAMES 

Master,  is  there  not  something  moving  among 
the  stars?  Perhaps  our  heavenly  Father  is  walk 
ing  across  the  dome  of  the  night.  Perhaps  He 
is  watching  us  from  the  dome  of  the  night. 


154  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 

He  is  always  watching  us. 

[Jesus  sits  down  again;  and  one  after  another 
the  disciples,  cautious  and  still  upward  looking, 
also  sit  again.  There  is  a  brief  pause. ] 

SIMON 

For  a  moment  I  thought  we  were  about  to  look 
upon  Him.  O,  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  sleeping 
when  the  hour  comes! 

JESUS 
No  man  shall  sleep  in  that  hour. 

SIMON 

I  would  carry  through  all  the  ages  the  memory 
of  even  the  first  falling  star. 

JESUS 
Not  even  the  dead  shall  sleep  in  that  hour. 

THOMAS 

The  dead  —  shall  they  also  see  the  face  of 
God? 

JESUS 
They  also. 

JOHN 

[Sitting  near  Jesus. ~\  I  hear  a  sound,  as  if 
some  one  were  weeping  there  in  the  shadows  — 
like  the  voice  of  a  woman  weeping  in  the  shad 
ows. 


GETHSEMANE  155 

MATTHEW 
I  do  not  hear  anything. 

THOMAS 
Perhaps  it  is  a  sleepless  child  crying  somewhere. 

JOHN 

Jesus,  I  see  some  one  passing  before  us,  ... 
there,  .  .  .  clothed  in  shining  white.  .  .  .  See, 
out  there !  Now  he  is  smiling  and  blessing  us. 
[Starts  up,  taking  hold  of  Jesus.'}  See,  there  he 
is !  He  is  coming  toward  us ! 

JESUS 
[Arising.']      Peace. 

JOHN 
Now  he  turns,  he  is  going  away ! 

PHILIP 

I  too  can  see  him,  he  is  going  down  the  val 
ley! 

JOHN 
I  do  not  know  where  he  is  going. 

JAMES 

I  can  see  something,  now  I  can  see  him!  But 
he  is  not  going  down  the  valley.  He  is  going 
toward  the  gate  of  the  city.  His  face  is  shining 
like  the  sun  at  daybreak!  Master,  who  is  this? 


156  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JESUS 

It  is  the  spirit. 

JOHN 

The  spirit !  Will  it  come  back  ?  I  cannot  look 
on  it  again !  I  am  weak,  I  am  weary,  my  eyes  are 
heavy. 

JESUS 

Lie  down  and  sleep. 

[John  almost  sinks  to  the  ground,  Jesus  sits 
beside  him.] 

MATTHEW 
[To  Andrew.]      Saw  you  anything? 

ANDREW 

I  saw  nothing;  but  I  feel  a  strange  warm  breath 
near  me,  as  if  some  one  were  breathing  upon  my 
face. 

MATTHEW 

I  saw  nothing,  nor  feel  anything. 

THOMAS 
Nor  I,  I  saw  nothing. 

MATTHEW 

I  see  nothing  shining  but  the  stars  and  the  moon 
and  the  glint  of  the  moon  on  the  Gate  of  Gold 
and  on  the  roof  of  the  Temple. 

THOMAS 
I  could  not  see  anything  besides  these.     There 


GETHSEMANE  157 

was    no    one    in    the    valley    clothed    in    shining 
white. 

JESUS 
It  is  not  given  to  all  to  look  upon  the  spirit. 

ANDREW 

Is  the  spirit  more  wonderful  to  look  upon  than 
the  city  yonder  covered  with  moonlight? 

THOMAS 

How  can  anything  be  more  wonderful  than  the 
city  in  the  night? 

PHILIP 

The  Gate  of  Gold  in  the  moonlight  trembles 
like  a  fire. 

ANDREW 

The  Temple  looks  like  the  face  of  a  dead  per 
son  wrapped  in  a  veil  of  silver. 

PHILIP 
Like  a  woman  clad  for  a  feast. 

MATTHEW 
More  like  a  palace  lighted  for  a  feast. 

THOMAS 

When  have  you   seen  a  palace  lighted   for  a 
feast? 

MATTHEW 
I  saw  Pilate's  at  Caesarea  once  lighted  for  a 


158  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

feast.  But  I  think  there  is  no  building  in  the 
world  like  the  Temple.  Herod's  theatre  and 
amphitheatre  are  as  nothing  compared  to  it. 

ANDREW 

Master,  behold  the  wonder  of  the  Temple  in 
the  moonlight!  It  is  like  a  flame  of  gold  whose 
smoke  is  silver.  .  .  . 

JESUS 

[Irritated."}  Not  one  stone  of  the  Temple 
shall  lie  upon  another  in  the  day  of  judgment. 
They  shall  fall  like  the  leaves  of  a  tree  when  it 
frosts  in  the  autumn.  O  vain  Jerusalem!  where 
men  trim  their  beards,  and  hang  upon  themselves 
gold,  and  hang  upon  themselves  silver  and  ivory; 
where  women  curl  their  hair  and  sprinkle  it  with 
dust  of  gold.  In  the  hairs  of  their  head  they 
hang  pearls  like  pale  stars  risen  when  the  sun 
is  setting.  Upon  their  ears  they  hang  earrings 
like  drops  of  water  that  the  moon  shines  on  in 
the  pool  of  Siloam.  They  cover  their  faces  with 
veils  like  silver  mist.  They  are  like  adulteresses 
that  walk  the  streets  of  Caesarea,  or  like  young 
women  slaves  of  Egypt.  O  vanity!  What  avail 
when  the  Lord  cometh ! 

PETER 
When  will  this  be? 


GETHSEMANE  159 

JAMES 

[To  Peter.]  A  little  while  ago  you  said  we 
should  not  ask  him  questions. 

JESUS 
Do  not  contend  among  one  another. 

ANDREW 

We  have  waited  many  months.  Surely  we  will 
not  have  to  wait  much  longer.  Perhaps  it  will 
be  to-night. 

PETER 

I  thought  a  little  while  ago  that  the  hour  had 
come.  But  now  the  heavens  are  still  again,  as  if 
we  had  not  seen  anything.  Jesus,  here  among 
ourselves,  tell  us  when  this  shall  be.  We  will 
not  speak  of  it  to  any  man. 

JESUS 

I  cannot  tell  you  the  day  and  the  hour.  Only 
our  Father  knows. 

MATTHEW 

We  have  given  up  everything.  We  are  wan 
derers  waiting  for  a  kingdom.  We  are  sur 
rounded  by  enemies.  The  priests  hate  us.  The 
scribes  and  Pharisees  despise  us.  These  two  days 
In  the  Temple  have  sharpened  the  hate  of  our 
enemies.  They  tried  to  tempt  some  of  us  away 
from  you.  Perhaps  they  are  now  tempting  Judas. 


160  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

I  am  afraid  something  is  going  to  happen.  We 
are  alone,  away  from  the  people,  and  it  is  night. 
[He  arises  and  after  a  time  disappears  among  the 
trees.] 

ANDREW 

What  more  signs  shall  we  look  for  than  the 
great  stars  that  darted  over  our  heads,  and  the 
spirit  clothed  in  white,  and  the  strange  warm 
breath  that  came  upon  us?  Jesus,  what  more 
signs  will  there  be  than  these? 

JESUS 

You  will  know  the  hour.  There  will  be  pesti 
lence  and  famine.  In  hate  and  confusion  men 
will  kill  each  other.  The  sun  will  be  darkened 
with  blood  and  the  moon  lose  her  light.  In  that 
night  stars  will  dash  down  upon  the  earth.  The 
wicked  shall  be  burned  like  withered  grass  in  a 
field.  How  can  there  be  a  world  of  love  and 
peace  if  the  wicked  live?  Therefore  do  we  pray 
that  the  wicked  repent  before  the  hour  of  judg 
ment,  that  they  may  enter  the  kingdom. 

JAMES 
Master,  it  is  terrible  to  burn  people! 

PETER 

[To  James. ]  Not  long  ago  you  and  your 
brother  asked  Jesus  to  permit  you  to  burn  the 
house  of  a  Samaritan  while  he  and  his  family  were 
within  asleep. 


GETHSEMANE  161 

JAMES 

That  was  different.  We  had  asked  him  for 
shelter,  and  he  beat  us  and  drove  us  away. 

JESUS 

Do  not  contend.  ...  In  that  day  believe  none 
other  who  calls  himself  the  Son  of  Man,  for  I 
only  shall  be  lifted  up  to  our  Father,  while 
lightning  cleaves  the  heavens  in  twain  and  shakes 
the  earth.  You  shall  then  see  the  power  and 
glory  of  our  Father.  The  world  has  grown  old 
and  Israel  has  waited  long. 

BARTHOLOMEW 
Shall  we  be  afraid  in  that  dreadful  night? 

JESUS 

You  will  have  no  fear.  The  angels  will  gather 
up  the  righteous  from  the  ends  of  the  earth.  And 
I  shall  give  to  each  of  you  a  kingdom,  and  you 
will  eat  and  drink  at  the  tables  of  my  kingdom, 
and  you  will  sit  on  thrones  judging  the  tribes  of 
Israel. 

PHILIP 

Master,  you  have  told  us  this  before.  It  is 
wonderful!  But  when?  .  .  . 

JESUS 

I  tell  but  what  the  prophets  have  told  and  what 
our  Father  has  told  me  in  the  watches  of  the  night. 


162  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

It  is  written  everywhere.  Behold  the  heavens! 
Are  they  not  speaking?  Hear  you  no  voice  in 
the  night  when  you  pray?  .  .  . 

PETER 
How  soon  will  this  be? 

JESUS 

I  have  told  you  I  do  not  know  the  day  and 
the  hour. 

PETER 
Then  the  month  or  the  year? 

JESUS 

This   generation   shall   not  pass   till   all  these 
things  have  been. 

JAMES 
This  generation! 

THOMAS 
Perhaps  we  shall  have  to  wait  for  years. 

ANDREW 

O,   I  am  impatient  to  look  upon  immortality 
without  death! 

JAMES 
I  am  hungry  to  rule  in  a  perfect  world. 

JESUS 

Men  and  women  eat  and  drink  and  marry  as 
if  the  morning  of  the  world  had  just  dawned. 


GETHSEMANE  163 

Heathen  charms  quiver  low  upon  the  breasts  of 
virgins.  Their  girdles  sparkle  like  the  sun. 
They  wash  their  bodies  in  fragrant  ointments, 
that  men  shall  desire  them.  They  come  forth 
with  the  odor  of  myrrh  and  saffron.  They  dwell 
in  gardens  of  lilies.  Nowhere  have  I  seen  such 
vanity  —  no,  not  even  in  Caesarea  and  Tiberias. 
The  world  is  at  the  evening  hour.  The  night  is 
falling.  But  they  heed  not.  It  was  just  so  in 
the  time  of  Noah  before  the  flood.  And  the 
flood  came  and  swallowed  them. 

THOMAS 

Why  should  we  be  anxious  if  years  may  yet 
pass? 

JESUS 

I  say  to  you  watch,  whether  the  time  be  at  mid 
night,  at  cock-crowing,  or  in  the  morning,  lest  you 
fall  into  temptation  and  the  hour  come  and  you 
be  numbered  with  the  wicked.  In  that  hour  of 
terror  the  good  and  the  evil  shall  be  separated. 
Be  not  like  a  foolish  master  who  watches  not  be 
fore  but  after  thieves  have  entered  and  stolen. 
You  have  often  heard  me  tell  the  people  the  story 
of  the  ten  virgins  and  the  story  of  the  man  di 
viding  his  goods  among  his  servants  and  going 
into  another  country.  Just  so  shall  the  wise  and 
the  foolish,  and  the  righteous  and  the  wicked,  be 
separated. 


164  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

PETER 
Will  men  be  separated  from  them  they  love? 

JESUS 

Two  working  in  a  field,  one  will  be  taken  and 
one  left.  Two  women  grinding  at  a  mill,  one 
will  be  taken  and  one  left. 

PETER 

And  husband  and  wife  —  will  they  be  separated 
if  one  be  evil? 

JESUS 

They  too. 

JAMES 

Master,  it  is  terrible! 

JESUS 

How  else  shall  the  evil  be  burned  out  of  the 
world?  Look  you,  how  selfish  men  have  trodden 
down  the  poor.  They  shall  likewise  be  trodden 
down.  How  else  shall  there  be  eternal  life  with 
out  grief,  joy  untouched  with  tears?  They  that 
live  in  hovels  here,  shall  dwell  in  mansions.  See 
now  how  calm  the  night.  Our  Father  is  looking 
down  upon  us  from  behind  the  stars  and  the  veil 
of  the  sky.  Yonder,  a  little  way,  unseen,  is  the 
throne  of  the  world.  Yonder  is  the  dream  of 
the  world,  the  hope  of  the  ages  that  now  are  dead. 
Think  how  many  that  are  now  sleeping  in  the 
earth  have  lifted  their  hands  to  our  Father  in 


GETHSEMANE  165 

the  still  midnight  hours.     He  will  not  forsake 
us.     We  are  his  children. 

SIMON 
Master,  I  am  weary  and  long  for  sleep. 

JAMES  THE  YOUNGER 
I  too,  my  eyes  are  heavy. 
JESUS 

Go  to  rest,  all  of  you.  The  day  has  been  long 
and  troubled.  I  hear  a  voice  calling  me.  I  shall 
watch  awhile. 

[The  disciples,  except  Peter,  James,  and  John, 
arise  wearily  and  wander  of  at  right  and  left.~\ 

SIMON 

[Calling  back  to  Jesus.]  Master,  do  not  let  us 
sleep  should  there  be  signs  the  hour  is  coming. 

JESUS 
[To  Peter.]     Will  you  follow  them? 

PETER 
I  will  not  sleep  yet. 

JAMES 

John  and  I  also  will  watch  awhile.  I  will  wake 
him.  He  is  still  sleeping. 

JESUS 

Let  him  sleep.  Stay  here,  I  will  go  forward  a 
little  and  pray. 

[Re-enter  Matthew.     Jesus  tarries.] 


1 66  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

MATTHEW 
Has  Judas  come? 

PETER 
No. 

MATTHEW 

I  walked  around  the  garden  and  a  little  upon 
the  road.  I  thought  I  must  find  him.  Jesus,  I 
am  troubled. 

JESUS 
What  troubles  you  ?     The  night  is  still. 

MATTHEW 

I  heard  evil  mutterings  in  the  Temple  to-day. 
Two  scribes  followed  me,  and  sought  to  entice 
me.  When  they  saw  I  would  have  nothing  to 
do  with  them,  one  coming  close  to  me,  said, 
"  Your  leader  will  be  taken,  leave  him  lest  you 
also  be  taken."  Later,  close  behind  me,  I  heard 
some  one  say,  "  This  young  Galilean  is  a  blas 
phemer.  The  High  Priest  will  not  let  him  pass." 
The  priests,  scribes,  and  Pharisees  hate  us.  The 
traders  and  money  changers  despise  us.  Master, 
let  us  leave  Jerusalem. 

JESUS 
We  will  not  run  away. 

MATTHEW 

At  least  let  us  leave  the  grove  to-night  and 
go  upon  the  mountain. 


GETHSEMANE  167 

JESUS 

Matthew,  lift  up  your  eyes.  Up  there  is  our 
Father. 

PETER 
The  people  are  on  our  side. 

MATTHEW 

We  are  alone  in  the  night.  The  people  are  not 
here.  They  are  sleeping,  each  in  his  house,  or  in 
his  tent  upon  the  wayside.  Judas  is  gone.  Is  he 
listening  to  evil  whispers?  Judas  is  not  wise. 
The  priests  are  cunning.  I  am  disturbed.  I  dare 
not  go  to  sleep. 

JAMES 

Perhaps  they  have  taken  him,  and  he  cannot 
come. 

PETER 

As  I  was  passing  from  the  Temple  to-day,  I 
heard  a  Pharisee  say,  "  This  man  is  a  false 
prophet.  His  folly  will  cost  blood."  "  Whose 
blood?  "  I  turned  and  asked.  He  looked  angrily 
at  me,  and  passed  out.  He  knew  I  was  a  fol 
lower. 

JAMES 

Perhaps  the  evil  spirits  are  whispering  into  the 
ears  of  Judas.  Perhaps  he  is  wandering  a  little 
and  cannot  find  his  way  back.  But  he  will  come. 


i68  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

He  hungers  for  the  kingdom.     Master,  do  you 
not  think  he  will  come? 
[Jesus  stands  silent.] 

MATTHEW 
I  think  he  sits  to-night  in  the  house  of  tempters. 

JAMES 
It  is  a  terrible  thing  to  be  tempted  in  the  night. 

JOHN 

[Awakening,  and  rising  a  little.]  I  have  slept. 
Master,  see  the  stars.  They  are  watching  us. 
They  are  the  golden  eyes  of  God.  We  are  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand  of  God.  No  harm  can  come  to 
us.  The  soldiers  of  the  earth  cannot  touch  the 
palm  of  the  hand  of  God.  They  cannot  reach 
it.  The  hand  of  God  is  terrible  in  anger.  No 
one  will  dare  to  strike  against  it. 

JESUS 

Matthew,  He  who  makes  the  night  to  glow  with 
moonlight,  and  commands  the  grass  to  come  forth 
in  the  springtime  —  He  will  not  forsake  us.  He 
has  given  his  angels  charge  over  us.  We  are  his 
children.  He  has  told  us. 

MATTHEW 

Jesus,  who  are  these  angels  that  are  to  care 
for  us? 


GETHSEMANE  169 

JESUS 

They  are  the  good  men  and  women  of  all  times 
now  living  in  a  happy  world.  They  are  the  saints. 
The  prophets  have  said  that  it  is  so.  What 
could  all  of  Jerusalem  do  against  the  angels? 
Jerusalem  is  but  a  stone  lying  on  the  side  of  a 
valley.  She  is  a  withered  weed.  A  few  fallen 
stars  would  make  her  a  city  of  flame,  a  small  sea 
would  drown  her.  Nothing  can  harm  us  —  not 
a  hair  of  our  heads. 

MATTHEW 

But,  Master,  should  the  priests  sometime  send 
out  the  Temple  guards,  and  they  overtake  us  on 
a  solitary  highway;  or  should  many  of  our  enemies 
come  upon  us  suddenly  in  a  lonely  place?  .  .  . 
We  are  but  a  handful. 

JESUS 

Saw  you  anyone  moving  about  near  the  garden? 
Are  there  here  prowlers  in  the  night  with  hearts 
poisoned  against  us? 

MATTHEW 

I  did  not  see  anyone.  The  trees  cast  deep 
shadows.  The  bushes  are  thick.  I  heard  sounds; 
but  I  think  they  came  from  afar  on  the  wind. 

PETER 
From  which  way  came  the  sounds? 


170  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

MATTHEW 

Who  can  tell  from  whence  a  sound  on  the  wind 
in  the  night? 

JESUS 

In  other  days  I  sent  you  forth  without  money 
and  even  without  shoes,  and  you  lacked  nothing. 

MATTHEW 

We  were  then  in  villages  and  in  the  country, 
among  friends  and  kin.  But  here  .... 

JESUS 
But  here  we  are  among  snakes  and  wolves. 

MATTHEW 

Here  we  are  called  doers  of  crime.  The  hearts 
of  the  wicked  yearn  for  us.  Their  swords  are 
crying  out  for  us. 

JESUS 

To-morrow  let  each  among  you  that  has  money 
buy  a  sword.  How  many  swords  have  we? 

MATTHEW 
Two. 

JESUS 

Tarry  here  and  watch.  I  will  go  forward  a 
little  and  speak  with  our  Father.  Nothing  shall 
harm  us.  He  will  not  let  anything  harm  us.  For 
a  moment,  Matthew,  you  roused  me  and  I  forgot. 
Two  swords  are  enough.  We  do  not  need  any 


GETHSEMANE  171 

more.   .  .  .  We  do  not  need  any  swords.      [Turns 
and  goes  off  at  left  and  back.] 

MATTHEW 
If  we  had  a  score  of  men  armed  .... 

JAMES 
You  are  tired,  Matthew;  go  to  sleep. 

MATTHEW 
Who  will  watch? 

PETER 
We  will  watch. 

MATTHEW 

I   shall  lie   down.     But  I  shall  not  sleep.     I 
would  it  were  morning.      [Goes  off  at  right.'] 

JAMES 

Peter,  saw  you  the  face  of  Jesus  in  the  moon 
light  as  he  turned  toward  us? 

PETER 
I  was  not  looking. 

JAMES 

It  was  white  like  wool  that  has  been  washed. 
It  was  whiter  than  I  have  ever  seen  his  face. 

PETER 

He  has  done  great  deeds  in  the  Temple  these 
two  days.     He  is  tired. 


172  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JAMES 

He  does  not  sleep  every  night.     I  often  have 
wakened  and  heard  him  praying. 

PETER 

I  have  not  heard  him  in  the  night.     I  sleep 
soundly. 

JAMES 
Likely  he  is  thinking  about  Judas. 

PETER 
Likely. 

JOHN 

[Approaching  Peter  and  James.']     What  was 
Matthew  saying? 

PETER 
He  is  anxious. 

JOHN 
What  is  he  anxious  about? 

PETER 
He  fears  the  priests  and  traders. 

JAMES 
I  will  lie  down  a  little.     I  am  very  tired. 

PETER 

Lie  down.     I  shall  sit  here. 
[A  voice  is  heard  rising  and  falling  with  emo 
tion;  but  the  words  cannot  be  understood.] 


GETHSEMANE  173 

JOHN 

[Sitting  beside  Peter.']  He  is  praying.  His 
voice  is  full  of  grief.  He  is  troubled.  I  can  tell 
he  is  troubled.  I  will  go  to  him.  [Starts  up.'} 

PETER 

[Sternly.]  Do  not  disturb  him.  Let  him 
pray.  Did  he  not  tell  us  to  wait  here  while  he 
prayed? 

JOHN 
You  are  angry. 

PETER 

I  am  tired.  Let  us  lie  down.  [Both  lie  on 
the  ground  near  James.\ 

JOHN 

[After  a  brief  pause. ~]  I  cannot  understand 
what  he  is  saying. 

PETER 
Nor  I. 

JOHN 
Peter,  are  there  not  two  voices? 

PETER 

I  hear  only  one.  I  am  tired.  I  am  not  listen 
ing. 

JOHN 

I  think  there  are  two  voices.  [Starts  up.] 
Perhaps  —  perhaps  an  angel  is  talking  to  him. 


174  JES\JS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

One  voice  is  like  the  sound  of  a  harp  in  the  Tem 
ple  before  the  Levites  sing. 

PETER 

Lie  down!  Do  not  talk  any  more.  I  hear 
only  one  voice. 

[John  lies  down.     A  brief  pause. ~\ 

JOHN 

It  is  strange  you  cannot  hear  two  voices.  I 
also  hear  footsteps.  Do  you  not  hear  footsteps, 
Peter?  [No  answer. ]  The  leaves  of  the  bushes 
are  rustling.  Some  one  is  moving  the  leaves  of 
the  bushes,  Peter.  I  think  some  one  is  here  whom 
we  cannot  see.  The  starlight  and  the  moonlight 
are  brighter  than  the  sunlight.  I  can  see  things 
in  the  moonlight  that  I  cannot  see  in  the  daylight. 
The  moonlight  is  like  silver  liquid,  like  very  thin 
silver  liquid  that  the  shields  of  the  soldiers  are 
bathed  in.  ...  Now  the  leaves  of  the  bushes  are 
still  again.  But  I  think  some  one  is  here  whom 
we  cannot  see.  Perhaps  it  is  a  spirit.  Are  you 
asleep,  Peter? 

[No  answer.  The  voice  of  Jesus,  constantly 
growing  fainter,  is  soon  scarcely  audible;  and 
after  a  short  time  is  silent.  A  soft  wind  flutters 
the  leaves.  The  screech  of  a  bird  of  the  night  is 
heard,  and  in  the  distance  the  baying  of  a  dog. 
Some  one  comes  from  the  right,  stands  a  moment 
in  the  attitude  of  listening  and  returns  from  whence 


GETHSEMANE  175 

he  came.  There  is  a  gradual  hush  of  the  night. 
In  the  garden  there  is  no  sound,  save  from  the 
lips  of  John,  who  mumbles  a  little  now  and  then 
in  his  sleep.  Jesus  reappears  at  back.] 

JESUS 

[Calling  softly.']  Peter.  [Coming  forward  a 
little.]  Peter. 

[John  mumbles  again  in  his  sleep.] 

JESUS 

[Near  the  disciples.]  Peter,  are  you  asleep? 
[No  answer.]  Asleep.  Could  you  not  watch 
with  me  an  hour?  The  spirit  is  willing,  but  the 
flesh  is  weak.  [He  moves  back,  looks  a  moment 
across  the  valley,  then  goes  of  again  at  left. 
Again  for  a  time  his  words  come  forth  indis 
tinctly.  Then  silence.  A  brief  pause.'} 

A  VOICE 

[Heard  faintly.]  Jesus  of  Nazareth!  .  .  . 
Jesus  of  Nazareth!  .  .  .  Jesus  of  Nazareth!  .  .  . 

JESUS  FROM  WITHOUT 
Who  is  calling  me? 

THE  VOICE 

[Nearer.]  Rabbi,  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  where 
art  thou  ? 

JESUS  FROM  WITHOUT 
Who  is  calling  me? 


i;6  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

[Presently  Young  Mark  appears  at  back,  and 
Jesus  enters.] 

YOUNG  MARK 

[Agitated.  In  a  loud  whisper.'}  Rabbi,  look 
toward  the  city !  Look  toward  the  wall  near  the 
Gate  of  Gold! 

JESUS 
[Going  toward  him.]      Who  are  you? 

YOUNG  MARK 

I  am  Young  Mark.  .  .  .  They  are  collecting 
outside  the  gate.  Dost  thou  see? 

JESUS 
I  see  nothing. 

YOUNG  MARK 
There,  to  the  left,  near  the  Gate  of  Gold. 

JESUS 
I  see  lights. 

YOUNG  MARK 
They  are  carrying  torches.     They  are  coming. 

JESUS 

It  is  nothing.  Perhaps  some  rich  man  with 
many  servants  traveling  by  night.  Why  are  you 
not  asleep  in  your  father's  house?  The  hour  is 
late. 

YOUNG  MARK 
I  have  been  hiding  in  the  bushes.     I  heard  what 


GETHSEMANE  177 

Matthew  said.  I  was  afraid  they  would  come 
with  swords  while  you  were  all  asleep.  .  .  .  See, 
Rabbi,  they  are  crossing  the  valley! 

[Lights  may  be  seen  moving  in  the  distance.] 

JESUS 

Perhaps  they  are  seeking  some  one  who  is  lost. 
Perhaps  they  are  seeking  a  lost  child.  It  may  be 
Caiaphas  on  his  way  to  the  top  of  the  Mount  of 
Olives.  Has  he  not  a  palace  there? 

YOUNG  MARK 

He  never  has  so  many  torchbearers.  It  is  not 
the  path  to  his  palace.  I  see  the  glitter  of  swords. 
They  are  on  the  bridge  over  the  brook.  I  can 
hear  the  clanking  of  swords.  They  are  soldiers. 

JESUS 
They  are  soldiers.     They  are  coming. 

YOUNG  MARK 

Rabbi,  come  to  my  father's  house.  [Jesus 
stands  silent]  My  father  will  hide  you.  He 
loves  you,  come  away.  They  are  soldiers.  .  .  . 
I  once  saw  soldiers  kill  a  man  by  the  bridge.  His 
blood  ran  into  the  brook.  They  cut  him  with 
swords  till  he  fell.  Rabbi,  come  to  my  father's 
house ! 

JESUS 
I  cannot  hide  like  a  thief. 


1 78  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

YOUNG  MARK 
Rabbi,  they  are  coming.     They  are  nearer. 

JESUS 
Peace.     Let  them  come. 

YOUNG  MARK 

They  are  turning  straight  toward  us.  Come 
away,  come  away!  [Rushes  of.'] 

JESUS 

[Turning  toward  Peter,  James,  and  John,  still 
sleeping.'}  How  peacefully  you  sleep,  tired  chil 
dren  !  Soon  you  will  scatter  like  frightened  sheep. 
[Again  looking  out  toward  the  approaching 
lights.']  O  bearers  of  fire,  bearers  of  hungry 
swords  in  the  night,  know  you  not  that  I  do  my 
Father's  will!  [Goes  off  at  left.  A  pause.'} 

THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS 

[Heard  indistinctly  at  first,  then  clearly.]  O 
Father,  do  a  mighty  deed!  The  hour  has  come. 
If  it  be  possible  let  this  cup  pass  away  from  me! 
.  .  .  [Continues  indistinctly.] 

[Young  Mark  enters.] 

YOUNG  MARK 
Rabbi,  they  are  near  the  Pomegranate  grove. 

THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS 
[Rising  again.]      Soften  their  hearts.     But  if 


GETHSEMANE  .,       179 

they  will  not,  then  let  the  earth  beneath  them  rise 
in  anger !   .   .   .    [Continues  indistinctly.] 

YOUNG  MARK 

Rabbi,  the  torches  are  in  the  Pomegranate 
grove.  Come,  come !  .  .  . 

THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS 
[Rising  again.]      O,  I  am  sad  unto  death!   .  .  . 

YOUNG  MARK 

They  are  coming  through  the  grove.  They  are 
putting  out  the  torches.  .  .  .  Rabbi,  come, 
come !  .  .  . 

THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS 

[Very  loud]  O  my  Father,  O  my  Father,  let 
this  bitter  cup  pass  from  me !  .  .  . 

PETER 
[Waking.]      Who  is  crying  out? 

YOUNG  MARK 

They  are  coming,  yonder,  the  soldiers !     They 
are  coming  for  him.  .   .   .  O,  bring  him  away! 
[Peter  arouses  James  and  John.] 

YOUNG  MARK 

[To  Jesus.]  Now  they  are  upon  us.  The 
bushes  are  moving.  O  Rabbi,  come !  I  will  not 
stay  any  longer.  I  am  afraid  to  stay  any  longer. 
Come,  Rabbi!  .  .  .  [Rushes  of .] 


i8o  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS 

[In  agony.}  Let  this  cup  pass!  Remember, 
O  my  Father,  thy  promise  in  the  nights  at  Naz 
areth!  Thou  wilt  not  forsake  me.  Thou  wilt 
keep  thy  word.  Thou  art  God.  Give  me 
strength.  Now  thou  art  making  me  strong. 
Fire  cometh  into  my  mouth  and  a  sword  sticketh 
from  mine  eyes!  .  .  . 

JOHN 

O,  his  voice !   .  .  .  Let  us  go  to  him. 
[Enter  Judas. ] 

JUDAS 

[Calling.]      Master,  Master! 
[The  three  disciples  rush  upon  Judas.] 

PETER 

Judas,  what  is  this  you  are  doing?  Who  are 
these  that  stand  behind  the  bushes? 

JUDAS 

Where  is  Jesus?     He  will  send  them  away. 
[As  Jesus  enters  from  the  left,  Judas  endeavors 
to  kiss  him.     Jesus  repulses  Judas.] 

JUDAS 

Master,  they  followed  me.  They  have  come 
to  take  thee! 

PETER 
Why  did  you  not  hide  from  them  on  the  way? 


GETHSEMANE  181 

JUDAS 

[Stepping  nearer  Jesus,  confidentially.]  De 
stroy  them,  Master! 

\_A  score  of  soldiers  and  others  carrying  swords 
and  clubs  enter  quickly  from  the  right. ,] 

TERRENO 

(Captain  Roman  Guards) 

Which  is  the  prophet? 

JESUS 

Are  you  a  band  of  murderers  wandering  in  the 
night? 

TERRENO 
Which  is  the  prophet? 

Booz 

(Trader) 

Captain,  it  is  he.     I  know  his  voice ! 

JESUS 
By  what  authority  do  you  ask  for  him? 

TERRENO 

We  are  Roman  soldiers  of  the  Tower  and  Jew 
ish  guards  of  the  High  Priest.  We  have  author 
ity  from  the  Council  of  the  Sanhedrin. 

JESUS 

Why  do  you  come  with  swords  and  clubs?  Is 
there  a  robber  here? 


182  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Captain,  I  am  sure  it  is  he. 

TERRENO 

We  have  come  for  the  prophet  of  Nazareth, 
he  that  led  the  riot  yesterday  in  the  Temple. 
Let  him  stand  forth.  Which  is  he? 

JESUS 
I  am  he. 

[The  soldiers  quickly  move  around  Jesus  and 
the  disciples.'] 

TERRENO 

Let  none  make  any  outcry,  that  needless  blood 
be  not  drawn. 

JUDAS 

I  sicken  of  this.  [Aside  to  Jesus.]  Now, 
Master,  send  them  away  by  the  power  of  our 
Father. 

JESUS 

I  spoke  every  day  in  the  Temple.  Why  do  you 
come  in  the  night  as  for  a  thief?  Let  shame  rise 
up  in  you  and  send  you  away.  What  man  of  you 
has  it  within  him  to  lay  an  angry  hand  on  me? 

TERRENO 

We  have  no  time  for  arguments.  Come,  you 
shall  go  back  with  us. 


GETHSEMANE  183 

JESUS 

[Addressing  individual  soldiers.]  What  evil 
have  I  done  to  you  or  to  you?  I  have  suffered 
for  all  of  you.  You  are  my  brothers,  you  and 
you.  .  .  . 

TERRENO 
Enough,  be  silent,  come  forth! 

JESUS 

Hear  me,  for  you  know  not  what  you  do.  Be 
hold  the  night  how  still  it  is;  but  in  your  hearts 
are  tumult  and  unrest.  From  the  stars  a  voice  is 
calling;  but  you  do  not  hear  it.  O,  unstop  your 
ears,  you  bearers  of  swords,  for  it  is  the  voice 
of  your  Father  that  is  calling  you !  .  .  . 

TERRENO 

[To  the  guards.']  Do  not  listen  to  him.  Ad 
vance  ! 

Booz 

[Standing  back  of  the  guards.]  Captain,  com 
mand  the  soldiers  to  seize  him. 

[The  soldiers  begin  to  close  in  on  Jesus.] 

JESUS 

[Moving  toward  them  as  they  come,  aroused.] 
Are  you  not  afraid  lest  God  strike  you  all  blind; 
or  wither  up  each  hand  that  holds  a  sword  1 

[The  Jews  among  the  soldiers  murmur  and 
shrink  back.] 


1 84  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

Stand  still !     He  cannot  harm  you. 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

Strike  him  with  a  sword,  one  of  you ! 
Booz 

(Trader) 

Give  me  a  sword! 

TERRENO 
Stand  back,  you  traders,  and  be  silent! 

JESUS 

Disperse,  else  will  the  earth  beneath  your  feet 
gap  and  you  be  cast  into  pits  of  fire ! 
[The  Jews  shrink  back  again.] 

TERRENO 

Stand  still,  you  cowards,  or  I  will  have  my  sol 
diers  rip  him  open !  .  .  . 

[Several  of  the  Roman  soldiers  draw  their 
swords.  The  disciples  move  back  in  horror.] 

JUDAS 
O,  I  sicken  of  this ! 

TERRENO 

Sheathe  your  swords.  I  have  given  no  order 
yet  for  his  blood. 


GETHSEMANE  185 

JESUS 

Take  away  your  soldiers!  Have  you  no  fear 
of  me?  Have  you  no  fear  of  God?  .  .  . 

TERRENO 

Silence !     You  talk  too  much ! 

[The  soldiers  move  more  closely  upon  him.'] 

JUDAS 

Master,  turn  them  into  stone,  or  set  them  upon 
the  gilded  tower  of  the  Temple,  or  let  boiling 
water  break  from  the  earth  and  consume  them! 
Wait  no  longer. 

[The  Roman  soldiers  laugh.'] 

JESUS 

[Lifting  his  hands  and  calling  loudly.']  Now, 
O  my  Father,  let  thy.  .  .  . 

TERRENO 

[Drowning  his  voice.'}  Silence,  silence!  Pre 
pare  to  depart! 

JUDAS 

Master,  destroy  them! 

[The  other  disciples  come  running  in  from 
right  and  left.  The  soldiers  move  about  quickly, 
drawing  their  swords. ~] 

TERRENO 

Strike  if  any  attack  or  move  upon  you  in  anger. 
Strike  if  any  make  an  outcry.  [To  disciples.] 


1 86  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

Let  everyone  be  silent!     Who  cries  out  will  be 
sabered! 

JUDAS 

O,  I  sicken  of  this ! 

MATTHEW 
Master,  call  down  the  angels  to  defend  us. 

JESUS 

[After  looking  from  one  to  another  of  his  dis 
ciples,  and  again  lifting  his  hands,  in  a  loud  voice. ,] 
Father,  O  my  Father,  if  it  must  be  I  will  drink 
this  bitter  cup ! 

TERRENO 
Silence ! 

[The  Roman  soldiers  with  drawn  swords  rush 
upon  Jesus.~\ 

TERRENO 
Wait !     Do  not  strike  him  till  I  command  you. 

JUDAS 

Master,  Master,  go  with  them  or  they  will  kill 
thee.  O,  I  sicken  of  this !  In  Jerusalem,  before 
all  the  people,  perhaps  God  will  set  thee  free !  .  .  . 

JESUS 

O  my  Father,  thou  art  speaking  to  me!  In 
Jerusalem  thou  wilt  show  thyself!  Thou  art 
God !  Thy  will  be  done.  I  go.  .  .  . 


GETHSEMANE  187 

TERRENO 

Silence !  Step  forward  from  among  the  others 
and  be  bound. 

[One  of  the  Jewish  soldiers,  Malthus,  with 
cords  approaches  Jesus.] 

SEVERAL  DISCIPLES 

No!  .  .  .  No!  .  .  .  Do  not  bind  him! 
[Peter  draws  his  sword.] 

JESUS 

Put  up  your  sword,  Peter.  He  that  lifts  a 
sword  here  will  be  killed. 

PETER 

You  shall  not  bind  him !  [Strikes  quickly  at 
Malthus  who  falls.] 

,  TERRENO 

Seize  him !     Seize  all  of  them ! 

[Peter  and  the  other  disciples,  except  Judas,  run 
off,  pursued  by  some  of  the  soldiers,  traders,  and 
others.  Jesus  helps  to  lift  Malthus  from  the 
ground.  The  cords  are  taken  by  another  soldier 
who  begins  to  bind  him.] 

JUDAS 

Why  do  you  bind  him?  He  is  not  a  murderer 
or  a  thief. 


188  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

[To  soldiers.']  Bind  him.  Place  him  in  the 
center.  Light  torches ! 

JESUS 

{.While  the  soldier  is  binding  him.~\  Alas, 
Judas,  my  Judas,  it  is  thou  that  hast  done  this  — 
thou  that  hast  prayed  with  me  so  often,  and  lain 
down  to  sleep  with  me  in  the  night.  I  will  pray 
our  Father  that  ere  thou  die  thou  wilt  be  forgiven. 

JUDAS 

O  Master,  can  it  be  thou  art  not  he  whom 
thou  hast  said?  Can  it  be  thy  words  have  failed 
to  reach  the  ear  of  God,  and  thou  art  helpless? 
Jesus,  Master,  speak! 

JESUS 

Thou  knowest  who  I  am. 

[Torches  are  lighted,  Jesus  is  placed  in  the  cen 
ter,  and  all  but  Judas  march  off,  followed  pres 
ently  by  the  soldiers  and  others  that  pursued  the 
disciples.'] 

JUDAS 

[Falling  to  his  knees.']  O  Father,  what  have 
I  done!  If  he  is  indeed  thy  heaven-appointed 
king  of  Israel,  to-morrow  by  a  great  miracle  thou 
wilt  set  him  free !  O,  before  all  the  people  thou 
wilt  set  him  free !  But  if  he  is  not  he  of  whom 
the  prophets  have  spoken,  let  none  do  him  any 


GETHSEMANE  189 

harm.  Let  the  people  send  him  forth  from  the 
city,  that  we  be  no  longer  deceived.  O,  I  am 
weary  of  heavens  that  come  not,  of  promises  un 
fulfilled  !  Father,  to-morrow  thou  wilt  show  thy 
self,  or  by  thy  absence  chastise  a  gentle  fool  1  .  .  . 

CURTAIN 


ACT  IV 
THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE 


PERSONS  IN  ACT  IV 


JESUS 

PILATE,  Governor  of  Judea 
CAIAPHAS,  High  Priest 
ANNAS,    Former    High 

Priest 

JUDAS,  a  Disciple  of  Jesus 
TERRENO,   Captain  of  the 

Roman  Guards 
JOSEPH,  an  Arimathean 
JACHIN,    an    Overseer    of 

the  Temple 
DAVID,  a  Damascene 


Scribes 


ZARA,  a  Jerusalemite 

NATHAN,  a  Galilean 

KORA,        |  Money  Chang- 

DATHAN,  J      ers 

SARAS, 

SIMEON, 

LEVI, 

DARPHAS,  >  Priests 

JOSIAS,       J 

Booz,  1 

BENJAMIN,  [-Traders 

JACOB,          J 


A  Roman  guard,  a  palace  servant,  soldiers  and  many 
others. 


ACT  IV 

The  following  morning.  In  front  of  the  pal 
ace  of  Herod  the  Great.  At  left  a  balcony,  con 
nected  with  the  palace  by  bronze  doors  at  back, 
and  with  the  pavement  below  by  broad  steps. 
Extending  to  the  right  are  rows  of  massive  white 
marble  pillars,  through  which  may  be  seen  a  large 
court,  with  flowing  fountains,  reservoirs,  beds  of 
many  colored  flowers,  broad  walks,  and  stone 
seats.  Protruding  here  and  there  are  magnifi 
cently  sculptured  porticos  with  columns  of  varied 
colors.  In  a  near  fountain,  doves  and  other  birds 
are  bathing  and  pluming  their  feathers,  with  a 
profusion  of  cries  and  flapping  of  wings.  Over 
the  scene  shines  the  early  morning  sun. 

\_A  Roman  guard  and  a  palace  servant  are  talk 
ing  at  left.~\ 

ROMAN  GUARD 
When  is  the  Governor  going  back  to  Caesarea? 

PALACE  SERVANT 

Imediately  after  the  Feast.  He  hates  Jerusa 
lem. 

193 


194  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

ROMAN  GUARD 

I  like  it.     This  is  the  first  time  I  have  been 
here.     I  will  ask  the  captain  if  I  may  come  again 
next  year.   ...   I  watch  here  at  the  gates  part  of 
the  night,  then  I  find  amusement. 
PALACE  SERVANT 
Amusement ! 

ROMAN  GUARD 
There  is  plenty  of  it  here. 

PALACE  SERVANT 
They  say  the  Jews  would  kill  a  woman.  .  .  . 

ROMAN  GUARD 

That  is  silly  talk.  The  Jews  are  fond  of 
women. 

PALACE  SERVANT 

The  Governor  thinks  the  Jews  in  Jerusalem 
queerer  even  than  those  of  Cassarea.  Here  they 
are  always  disputing  about  religion. 

ROMAN  GUARD 

To  hear  them  talk  you  would  think  religion  is 
a  thing  you  can  eat. 

PALACE  SERVANT 

In  Caesarea  people  work.  Here  nearly  every 
body  makes  his  living  out  of  religion.  In  Rome 
we  make  less  fuss  about  all  of  our  gods  than  they 
do  about  their  one  god. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          195 

ROMAN  GUARD 

Have  they  only  one  god?  He  must  be  very 
busy.  How  can  one  god  look  after  everything? 
What  kind  of  a  god  is  he? 

PALACE  SERVANT 
He  lives  in  the  clouds. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
Has  anybody  ever  seen  him? 

PALACE  SERVANT 

Some  say  that  he  has  been  down  several  times, 
and  has  been  seen  by  their  prophets. 

ROMAN  GUARD 

I  do  not  believe  it.  How  can  anyone  live  in 
the  clouds? 

PALACE  SERVANT, 
Some  of  our  gods  have  lived  in  the  clouds. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
That  is  different.     Our  gods  can  do  anything. 

PALACE  SERVANT 

This  god  is  very  strict  with  the  Jews.  He  has 
made  thousands  of  rules  which  they  must  obey. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
Is  that  true ! 


196  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

PALACE  SERVANT, 

For  example,  he  does  not  permit  them  to  eat 
the  meat  of  swine. 

ROMAN  GUARD 

Perhaps  he  is  only  jesting.  Perhaps  he  does 
not  really  mean  it. 

PALACE  SERVANT, 

He  is  a  serious  god.  He  is  not  the  kind  of  a 
god  that  jests.  They  say  he  has  never  laughed. 
They  say  he  has  never  even  smiled. 

ROMAN  GUARD 

Great  Caesar,  is  that  true !  Why  do  the  people 
cling  to  him?  Why  do  they  not  get  one  of  our 
gods?  They  are  not  strict  with  us. 

PALACE  SERVANT, 
They  are  afraid. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
Who  were  this  Jew  god's  father  and  mother? 

PALACE  SERVANT, 

O,  he  isn't  like  our  gods!  He  never  had  any 
father  and  mother. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
Isn't  it  silly? 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  197 

PALACE  SERVANT 

They  say,  though,  that  he  will  have  a  son  some 
day. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
A  son? 

PALACE  SERVANT 

This  son  is  to  be  the  boy  that  will  defeat  Caesar 
in  battle. 

ROMAN  GUARD 

Ridiculous!  .  .  .  You  know  a  lot  about  their 
religion. 

PALACE  SERVANT 

I  know  almost  enough  to  be  a  scribe,  but  I 
should  rather  be  a  priest. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
Do  the  priests  make  much  money? 

PALACE  SERVANT 

Many  of  them  marry  rich  women.  They  live 
in  the  finest  houses  in  Jerusalem.  Inside  some  of 
them  there  are  decorations  of  carved  sandal  wood 
from  India  and  cedar  from  Lebanon.  The  grat 
ings  of  their  windows  are  brazen  bars  that  look 
like  dead  gold.  .  .  . 

ROMAN  GUARD 

[Interrupting.]  See,  a  lot  of  people  are  com 
ing  up  the  hill.  .  .  .  No  doubt  they  are  strangers 


198  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

attending  the  Feast,  come  to  pay  their  respects  to 
the  Governor. 

PALACE  SERVANT 

It  is  too  early  for  that.  He  is  eating  break 
fast.  These  Jews  are  a  tactless  people. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
What  magnificent  robes  some  of  them  wear ! 

PALACE  SERVANT 

They  are  probably  priests  who  do  not  live  in 
Jerusalem.  There  are  some  of  our  soldiers 
among  them,  .  .  .  and  the  captain  of  the  Tower. 
Those  walking  ahead  are  servants  of  the  High 
Priest.  I  can  tell  by  their  garments. 

ROMAN  GUARD 

There  is  walking  in  the  midst  of  them  one  whose 
hands  are  bound  —  is  there  not? 

PALACE  SERVANT 

It  is  dreadful  to  see  a  criminal.  Perhaps  he 
has  done  something  horrible. 

ROMAN  GUARD 
How  pale  his  face! 

PALACE  SERVANT 

His  face  is  white  with  dust.  O,  his  eyes !  .  .  . 
Look  at  his  eyes.  They  are  like  the  eyes  of 
slaves  that  have  been  bored  out  by  an  angry 
master. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          199 

ROMAN  GUARD 

He  has  closed  his  eyes.     He  walks  as  if  he  were 
very  tired. 

[Enter  Levi  and  others.] 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

Pay  our  respects   and  bid   Pilate   give   us   an 
audience  at  once. 

PALACE  SERVANT 

I  think  he  is  eating  his  breakfast.  [Goes  off.] 
[Enter  Caiaphas,  Annas,  and  other  priests;  also 
scribes,  members  of  the  Council,  elders,  Pharisees, 
traders  and  money  changers  of  the  Temple,  a  few 
Temple  guards,  Roman  soldiers  and  their  captain 
guarding  Jesus,  and  many  others.  As  the  action 
grows  other  persons  enter,  so  that  toward  the 
end  a  great  crowd  is  present] 

LEVI 

A  servant  has  gone  to  announce  us. 
CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

Everyone  be  silent  when  the  Governor  appears, 
that  he  can  hear  what  we  are  saying. 

ANNAS 

(Former  High   Priest) 

We  wiirdemand  his  death. 

[Cries  of  approval  from  the  crowd] 


200  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

It  is  not  wise  with  a  smile  to  turn  loose  a  dan 
gerous  fool.  It  is  not  wise  to  turn  loose  the  Son 
of  God.  [Laughter.] 

JOSIAS 

(Priest) 

Do  not  crowd  together  so.     Spread  out. 

[There  is  a  movement  of  the  crowd  along  the 
balcony  and  along  the  pillars  in  front  of  the  Court. 
Re-enter  palace  servant.] 

PALACE  SERVANT 

The  Governor  is  eating  breakfast.  He  will 
hear  you  in  the  Judgment  Hall  when  he  has  fin 
ished  eating. 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

We  cannot  enter  the  Judgment  Hall  to-day. 
Our  Feast  begins  to-night.  We  should  be  unclean 
if  we  entered  a  gentile  house  to-day.  Even  a 
Roman  servant  should  know  that.  Bid  Pilate 
come  upon  the  balcony. 

[The  palace  servant  goes  off.] 

ANNAS 

(Former  High   Priest) 

[To  the  people.]  There  must  not  be  any  de 
lay.  We  do  not  want  any  disturbance  during  the 
Feast.  The  rabble  must  not  rise  up  again.  Here 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          201 

is  their  leader.  He  has  defamed  Moses.  He 
has  claimed  to  be  Messias.  He  is  a  worker  of 
magic  and  says  it  is  from  God.  He  is  a  cor- 
rupter  of  religion.  He  is  an  enemy  of  Israel  and 
Rome.  These  things  have  earned  his  death. 

CAIAPHAS 
Are  all  the  people  agreed? 

MANY  VOICES 

We  are!  .  .  .  We  are!  .  .  .  Down  with  the 
blasphemer,  .  .  .  false  prophet,  .  .  .  defamer  of 
religion,  .  .  .  defamer  of  Moses  and  the  proph 
ets!  ... 

ANNAS 

(Former  High  Priest) 

O  that  in  my  old  age  such  poisoned  weeds 
should  grow  beneath  my  feet!  Look  at  him,  you 
sons  of  Abraham.  Are  we  to  blot  out  Moses  for 
this  upstart  god? 

THE  PEOPLE 
No!  ...  No!  ...  Never!  .  .  . 

ANNAS 

(Former  High  Priest) 

His  hair  is  matted  like  a  swineherd's  and  his 
face  half  stone,  half  flesh.  Is  this  the  thing  two 
days  ago  some  fools  called  Israel's  king!  Yet 
fools  have  lighted  fires  it  took  a  thousand  years 
to  quench. 


202  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

VOICES 

We  will  quench  his  fire !  .  .  .  Pilate  will  make 
short  work  of  him!  .  .  . 

ANNAS 

(Former  High  Priest) 

He  cleanses  men,  yet  is  himself  as  stench  that 
rises  from  Gehenna.  He  forgives  sin  in  his  own 
name,  as  if  he  were  the  Lord  —  this  Nazarene 
Messias!  [Turning  to  Levi.~\  He  was  a  car 
penter  by  trade  —  was  he  not? 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

Yes,  a  carpenter. 

[In  the  midst  of  the  Roman  soldiers,  in  front 
of  the  balcony,  stands  Jesus.  His  face  is  very 
pale  and  his  head  cast  down.  Now  and  then  he 
twists  his  hands,  as  if  the  cords  were  hurting  his 
wrists,  and  his  lips  move,  as  if  he  were  muttering. 
The  bronze  doors  at  the  back  of  the  balcony  swing 
open,  and  Pilate,  courtiers,  and  guards  enter. 
Two  of  the  guards  descend  and  stand  on  the  pave 
ment.  Two  others  stand  at  the  head  of  the  stairs. 
The  crowd  below  is  silent  and  bows  as  Pilate  steps 
forward.] 

PILATE 

You  have  summoned  me  upon  the  balcony. 
What  is  it? 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  203 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

Worthy  Governor,  we  bring  greetings  and 
blessings.  It  is  not  our  choice  to  be  here  at  this 
early  hour.  But  the  cause  is  urgent.  He  that 
stands  here  bound  has  corrupted  the  people  and 
must  suffer. 

PILATE 

Take  him  and  judge  him  according  to  your 
laws.  Why  do  you  bring  him  to  me? 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

We  have  judged  him,  the  Council  has  judged 
him,  and  he  stands  confessed  and  borne  down  with 
guilt. 

PILATE 

Did  not  Pompey,  and  Caesar  after  him,  assure 
you  the  right  to  the  execution  of  your  own  laws? 
Why  do  you  bring  this  person  before  me?  Take 
him  and  judge  him.  [Turns  to  goJ\ 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

Worthy  Governor,  tarry.  We  desire  thy  ap 
proval  of  the  sentence  passed  upon  him.  It  has 
been  judged  that  he  shall  die.  But  Caesar  denies 
us  the  right  without  thy  approval  to  put  a  man 
to  death. 


204  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

PILATE 
O,  you  want  me  to  kill  him! 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

We  desire  thy  sanction  to  the  sentence  of  the 
Council. 

PILATE 

What  has  he  done?  Let  him  stand  forth. 
Let  me  see  him. 

[The  soldiers  push  Jesus  forward  on  the  pave 
ment  directly  below  the  balcony.] 

PILATE 

He  does  not  look  dangerous.  His  face  is  very 
pale.  Unbind  his  hands.  An  accused  person 
need  not  be  bound  during  trial.  There  are 
enough  soldiers  to  guard  him. 

[Some  of  the  soldiers  take  the  cords  from  Jesus' 
wrists. 1 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

Worthy  Governor,  if  he  had  not  been  a  great 
criminal  we  should  not  have  brought  him  here. 

ANNAS 

(Former  High  Priest) 

Time  presses.  We  ask  thy  sanction  to  his 
crucifixion. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  205 

PILATE 

Why  this  haste  ? 

ANNAS 

(Former  High  Priest) 

On  Feast  days  we  may  not  punish  anyone.  The 
Passover  begins  to-night.  It  would  be  danger 
ous  to  keep  him  alive  in  Jerusalem  until  the  Feast 
is  ended.  He  has  followers,  enemies  of  Rome 
and  Israel,  haters  of  law  and  religion.  Men  like 
him  light  fires  of  revolt.  We  ask  thee  to  order 
him  led  to  the  cross. 

PILATE 

I  will  not  kill  a  man  without  hearing  the  evi 
dence. 

[Murmurs  of  dissatisfaction.  The  crowd  is 
constantly  growing.] 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

[Shouting.']  He  has  been  tried!  .  .  .  The 
Council  has  tried  him!  ...  It  has  judged  he 
should  die!  .  .  .  We  want  only  thy  approval! 
thy  approval,  Pilate!  .  .  . 

PILATE 

Stop  shouting!  else  I  will  deny  your  petition 
at  once  and  retire  within.  My  ears  are  more 
yielding  to  quiet  sounds. 


206  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

CAIAPHAS 

(High  Priest) 

[To  the  crowd.']  Silence!  Silence!  [To  Pi 
late.]  Bear  with  the  people.  They  have  suf 
fered  much  by  the  deeds  of  the  prisoner  before 
you.  His  name  is  Jesus.  He  was  a  carpenter 
at  Nazareth.  Conceiving  himself  appointed  by 
God,  he  has  gone  through  the  land  preaching 
ridiculous  doctrines.  By  tricks  he  has  led  the 
people  to  believe  that  he  has  power  over  the  winds 
and  the  rain  —  even  over  death.  For  example, 
he  has  been  heard  to  say  that  he  can  destroy  the 
Temple  and  rebuild  it  in  three  days.  He  pre 
tends  by  a  word  to  cure  the  sick  and  to  forgive 
sin  and  to  drive  out  devils.  He  himself  hath  a 
devil  which  he  conceives  to  be  a  god.  .  .  . 

PILATE 

Has  he  murdered  anyone? 
CAIAPHAS 

We  have  not  heard  that  he  has  murdered  any 
one. 

PILATE 

Perhaps  he  is  only  a  kindly  madman.  But  for 
madness  we  cannot  take  away  his  life.  .  .  . 

ANNAS 

[Interrupting.]  Kindly!  He  is  a  disturber 
of  the  peace.  He  is  a  corrupter  of  the  people. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          207 

Two  days  ago  he  caused  an  uproar  in  the  Tern- 
pie. 

PILATE 

You  have  overseers  in  the  Temple  who  com 
mand  enough  guards  to  suppress  any  slight  dis 
turbance  —  have  you  not? 

ANNAS 

Slight  disturbance!  It  was  a  riot!  Here  is 
one  of  the  overseers.  Let  him  tell  what  occurred. 

JACHIN 

(Overseer) 

[In  a  loud  angry  voice. ~\  He  and  his  band  of 
murderers  drove  out  the  traders  and  changers, 
and  beat  them,  and  .  .  . 

PILATE 

[Annoyed.']  Silence !  I  will  not  have  my  ears 
split  by  such  ridiculous  cries.  [To  Annas.~\ 
There  are  soldiers  in  the  Tower  of  Antonia  to 
quell  any  rioting  in  the  Temple. 

ANNAS 

Here  is  a  captain  of  thy  guards.  He  can  tell 
what  happened.  He  was  there.  Wilt  thou  hear 
him? 

PILATE 

Let  him  say  if  there  was  any  disturbance  in  the 
Temple. 


208  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

[Stepping  forward.']  It  is  true,  Worthy  Gov 
ernor,  that  two  days  ago  there  was  some  rioting 
there,  led  by  the  Nazarene. 

PILATE 

[Sternly.']     He  shall  be  punished  for  it.  ... 
[Shouts  of  approval.] 

PILATE 

But  not  with  death. 

[The  shouts  turn  to  murmurs  of  dissatisfac 
tion.] 

CAIAPHAS 

Bear  with  me  a  little  longer,  Worthy  Gov 
ernor,  .  .  . 

PILATE 

Everybody  be  quiet !  I  am  trying  to  hear  your 
High  Priest. 

CAIAPHAS 

We  have  a  Law  and  by  that  Law  he  should  die. 
For  many  generations  our  fathers  have  handed 
down  to  us  the  pious  Laws  delivered  by  God  him 
self  to  Moses  on  Mount  Sinai. 

ALL  THE  PEOPLE 

Blessed  be  his  name !  .  .  .  Blessed  be  the  name 
of  the  Lord! 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  209 

CAIAPHAS 

These  holy  Laws  are  the  bread  of  our  lives. 
Thou,  Worthy  Pilate,  knoweth  that.  They  have 
sustained  our  forefathers.  They  have  sustained 
us  from  youth  up.  They  are  our  religion.  They 
are  the  words  of  God. 

ALL  THE  PEOPLE 
Blessed  be  his  name! 

CAIAPHAS 

Now  comes  this  ignorant  carpenter  of  Naza 
reth,  named  Jesus.  He  is  one  born  with  the  habit 
of  much  talking.  He  has  told  the  people  every 
where  that  our  God-given  laws  are  as  nothing. 
He  bids  men  and  women  do  what  he  does,  and 
forbear  what  he  does  not.  He  neither  fasts  nor 
obeys  the  holy  laws  of  purifications.  .  .  . 

PILATE 
He  looks  like  a  man  who  fasts  overmuch. 

ANNAS 

No,  he  does  not  fast.  We  can  prove  he  does 
not  fast. 

PILATE 
I  do  not  care  to  hear  the  proof. 

CAIAPHAS 
He  does  not  observe  the  Sabbath. 


210  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

ANNAS 

Think  of  it,  he  does  not  observe  the  Sabbath! 
He  does  all  manner  of  things  upon  the  Sabbath. 
He  says  it  is  permitted  of  men  to  do  anything 
they  like  upon  the  Sabbath. 

CAIAPHAS 

He  does  not  offer  sacrifice  or  practice  Temple 
service.  .  .  . 

ANNAS 

Dost  thou  hear,  Governor?  He  does  not  offer 
sacrifice.  How  else  can  we  obtain  the  mercies  of 
God  —  wilt  thou  tell  us  that? 

PILATE 

I  do  not  know  the  connection  between  burning 
meat  and  prosperity.  I  am  no  authority  on  your 
religion.  Does  your  god  like  the  smell  of  burn 
ing  meat?  Never  mind,  we  will  not  discuss  the 
point.  [To  Caiaphas.~\  Go  on. 

CAIAPHAS 

He  goes  about  with  sinful  men  and  with  har 
lots.  On  his  own  authority  he  forgives  sin.  .  .  . 

ANNAS 

Only  God  can  forgive  sin. 
CAIAPHAS 

O  Worthy  Governor,  if  thou  wert  one  thou 
sandth  part  a  Jew,  thou  wouldst  burn  with  anger 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          211 

against  this  fool.  By  our  Law  he  should  die. 
We  ask  thee,  representative  of  our  King  Tiberius, 
that  thou  order  him  led  to  the  cross.  .  .  . 

THE  CROWD 

To  the  cross  with  him !  .  .  .  To  the  cross  with 
him!  .  .  .  The  Governor  will  deliver  him!  .  .  . 
Pilate  will  deliver  him !  .  .  . 

[The  noise  subsides.  Pilate  stands  silent.  All 
eyes  are  upon  himJ\ 

ANNAS 

[sifter  a  pause,  contemptuous ly.~\  Why  should 
this  Nazarene  workman,  found  guilty,  be  given  a 
moment's  thought  by  the  Governor  of  Judea? 

PILATE 

[Aroused.']  I  will  tell  you  why!  When  upon 
a  recent  occasion  I  ordered  slain  some  rebels  and 
conspirators  who  had  outraged  the  laws  of  Caesar, 
there  came  such  a  cry  of  hate  and  malice  from 
your  very  Council  as  filled  my  ears  for  days.  It 
has  been  whispered  that  even  now  petitions  against 
me  are  on  their  way  to  Caesar.  Since  you  did  not 
think  my  reasons  sufficient  for  slaying  these  rebels 
and  conspirators,  I  am  determined  now  not  to 
slay  anyone  by  the  request  of  your  Council  for 
poorer  reasons ! 

ANNAS 
If  he  lives  then  dies  peace  in  Jerusalem! 


212  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

PILATE 

[Sharply.  ]  I  am  able  to  take  care  of  the  peace 
of  Jerusalem.  [Looking  down  upon  Jesus.] 
Moreover,  look  at  your  prisoner.  I  never  saw  a 
man  more  helpless.  You  yourselves  have  not  said 
that  he  was  ever  armed  with  anything  more  deadly 
than  words.  Yet  you  would  think  he  had  no 
tongue  in  his  head.  He  has  not  uttered  a  sound 
in  his  own  defense.  He  has  the  pallor  of  one 
walking  with  death.  Is  he  the  sole  cause  of  your 
summons  of  me? 

CAIAPHAS 
He  is. 

PILATE 
I  have  decided.      [Turns  to  go.] 

LEVI 

(Priest) 

Governor!  .  .  . 

DARPHAS 

(Priest) 

Worthy  Governor !  .  .  . 
SARAS 

(Scribe) 

Governor !  .  .  . 

PILATE 
[Turning.]     I  can  listen  to  but  one  at  a  time. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          213 
SARAS 

(Scribe) 

There  are  other  charges,  graver  than  any  yet 
mentioned.  Wilt  thou  hear  them? 

PILATE 
Go  on. 

SARAS 

(Scribe) 

This  lover  of  harlots  has  gone  up  and  down  the 
country,  in  cities  and  towns,  commanding  all  men 
to  leave  their  fathers  and  mothers,  wives  and 
children,  and  all  else,  and  follow  him.  How 
could  there  be  any  love  of  country  if  the  people 
forsook  all  and  ran  after  one  man?  Would  not 
the  authority  of  both  Israel  and  Rome  cease?  Is 
not  such  a  person  an  enemy  of  Israel  and  of  Rome, 
and  therefore  worthy  of  death? 

PILATE 
How  many  followers  has  he? 

SARAS 
We  do  not  know. 

PILATE 

He  could  not  destroy  patriotism  until  many  per 
sons  followed  him. 

SARAS 
Such    glittering    doctrines    of    revolt    against 


2H  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

earthly  authority  and  false  promises  of  heavenly 
gold  will  spread  rapidly  among  the  people. 

PILATE 

But  a  man  cannot  be  condemned  for  that  which 
lies  in  the  future.  He  can  be  judged  for  that 
only  which  lies  in  the  past. 

SARAS 

Hear  me  yet  a  little.  I  have  said  that  he  has 
proclaimed  his  authority  above  the  authority  of 
Israel  and  Rome.  That  lies  in  the  past.  And 
this  also  lies  in  the  past.  Two  days  ago  he  en 
tered  Jerusalem  at  the  head  of  a  ragged  proces 
sion,  and  was  hailed  by  some  of  his  followers, 
"  Messias,"  "  Son  of  David,"  "  King." 

PILATE 

Often  a  man's  followers  cry  out  against  his 
will,  giving  him  titles  which  he  does  not  claim  for 
himself.  Some  years  ago  at  Rome  when  Ger- 
manicus  had  his  triumph,  several  foolish  persons 
cried  out  and  called  him  Caesar.  He  had  them 
quickly  silenced. 

SARAS 

This  Galilean  was  commanded  to  silence  his 
followers;  but  he  would  not,  and  said,  "  If  they 
did  not  cry  out,  the  very  stones  would  cry  out!  " 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  215 

LEVI 
Before  us  all  in  the  Council.  .  .  . 

DARPHAS 
He  called  himself  a  king.   .   .  . 

SARAS 
In  the  Temple  also.  .  .  . 

MANY  PERSONS 

We  all,  ...  we  all  have  heard  him  call  him 
self  a  king!  .  .  . 

PILATE 
I  will  not  listen  to  several  at  a  time. 

CAIAPHAS 
[To  the  crowd.]     Let  Saras  speak. 

SARAS 

Worthy  Governor,  be  not  misled  by  his  silence. 
He  is  humble  now.  But  only  yesterday,  before 
all  the  people  in  the  Temple,  he  told  a  parable  of 
wicked  vinedressers  and  the  master  of  the  vine 
yard.  He  proclaimed  himself  the  beloved  son 
of  the  master  of  the  vineyard  of  Israel.  The 
wicked  vinedressers  had  slain  one  after  another 
of  them  sent  by  the  master,  and  then  he  sent  his 
beloved  son.  .  .  . 

PILATE 

[Interrupting.]      I    do    not   care    to    hear   any 
parables. 


2i6  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

SARAS 

This  ignorant  Galilean  has  declared  himself 
Messias,  the  judge  and  king  of  Israel. 

PILATE 
Has  he  claimed  to  be  each  of  these? 

SARAS 

Messias  will  be  our  judge  and  king.  He  has 
said  openly  that  he  will  judge  Israel  and  deliver 
us  from  the  kings  of  the  world,  which  means,  of 
course,  deliver  us  from  Caesar. 

PILATE 

[Stepping  forward  again  and  looking  down  at 
Jesus. .]  Have  you  told  it  about  that  you  are  a 
king  or  a  judge  of  the  Jews? 

[There  is  talking  and  pushing  about  in  the 
crowd  in  an  endeavor  to  get  near  the  balcony. ] 

PILATE 

[To  the  people.']  Be  silent!  I  cannot  hear 
him.  [To  Jesus. ,]  Will  you  answer  me? 

JESUS 
I  have  said  it. 

VOICES  IN  THE  CROWD 

[Heard  above  the  outburst  of  noise. ~\  He  has 
said  it!  ...  He  does  not  deny  it!  ...  What 
more  is  wanted?  .  .  .  To  the  cross!  .  .  .  Gov 
ernor,  to  the  cross  with  him !  .  .  . 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          217 

PILATE 

[Angered.]  Silence!  Silence!  [To  Jesus.] 
Have  you  anything  else  to  say?  \_A  pause.'] 
Fear  has  taken  away  his  voice.  I  will  speak  with 
him  alone.  [To  the  soldiers  surrounding  Jesus.] 
Two  of  you  lead  him  up  into  the  Judgment  Hall. 
Perhaps  there  his  voice  will  come  back  to  him. 

\Wh\le  Jesus  is  being  led  up  the  stairs  to  the 
balcony,  and  retires  with  Pilate  and  two  soldiers 
through  the  bronze  doors  in!.>  the  palace;  Caia- 
phas,  the  priests,  members  of  the  Council,  and  the 
scribes,  are  in  animated  conversation.] 

CAIAPHAS 

[7w  a  loud  voice.]  Hear  me,  all  of  you  who 
love  the  Lord!  Shall  we  accept  this  runner  after 
unclean  women  as  Messias? 

MANY  VOICES 
No!   ...  no!   ...  never!   .  .  .  never!   .  .  . 

CAIAPHAS 
Do  we  still  hold  to  Moses? 

MANY  VOICES 
Forever !  .  .  .  forever !  .  .  . 

CAIAPHAS 
Shall  he  die  who  seeks  to  destroy  our  religion? 

MANY  VOICES 
He  shall  die!  .      ,  He  shall  die!  . 


2i8  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

CAIAPHAS 

Though  you  are  commanded  to  be  silent,  after 
a  little  pause  you  shall  cry  out  again  and  yet  again 
for  his  death. 

Booz 

Will  the  Roman  soldiers  compel  us  to  be  silent? 
[Caiaphas  looks  at  Terreno] 

TERRENO 
Is  he  whom  you  seek  to  crucify  a  Roman? 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

He  is  of  no  nation!  .  .  .  He  is  a  son  of  Beel 
zebub  !  .  .  .  Withered  be  the  breast  that  gave 
him  drink!  .  .  . 

CAIAPHAS 

[To  the  crowd.']  You  are  answered.  In  the 
days  of  our  forefathers,  he  who  in  the  morning 
sought  to  corrupt  our  religion,  beheld  not  again 
the  midday  sun.  [Reproachfully.]  Some  of  you 
stand  here  like  sheep  and  oxen,  dumb  and  un 
moved!  Have  you  no  fire  within  you  .  .  . 
[indicating]  you  and  you  standing  there? 

Booz 

Worthy  High  Priest,  some  of  us  are  going 
upon  the  streets  to  gather  in  the  people,  that  our 
demands  may  be  spoken  in  a  louder  voice. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          219 

CAIAPHAS 

Should  you  meet  any  of  his  followers,  reason 
with  them,  that  their  eyes  may  be  opened.  Tell 
the  people  that  a  corrupter  is  in  our  midst,  one 
who  would  pierce  the  eyes  of  our  children,  that 
they  wander  forever  in  darkness,  one  who  has 
outraged  the  Holy  Law,  a  Messias  of  rags,  a 
companion  of  sinful  men,  a  lover  of  harlots ! 

Booz 

[Going  out.']  We  will  bring  Jerusalem  to  the 
foot  of  the  balcony! 

[Traders,  money  changers,  and  many  other 
persons  follow  Booz.} 

CAIAPHAS 

[Calling  to  them.'}  Lead  thither  the  whole 
people.  Let  none  turn  aside.  Pilate  must  hear 
the  angered  voice  of  Jerusalem! 

[During  the  foregoing,  the  voice  of  one  push 
ing  through  the  crowd  in  the  direction  of  the 
priests  is  heard  calling,  "  Father  Meier!  Father 
Meier!"-} 

ANNAS 

Who  is  calling  Father  Meier? 

JUDAS 

[Surrounded  by  David  the  Damascene,  Zara 
the  Jerusalemite,  Nathan  the  Galilean,  and 


220  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

others.]      It  is  I,  Judas  of  Kerioth!     Where  is 
Father  Meier? 

LEVI 
I  have  not  seen  him. 

DARPHAS 
He  is  not  here. 

CAIAPHAS 

It  was  you  that  led  the  guards  upon  the  hiding 
place  of  the  Nazarene  —  was  it  not? 

JUDAS 

It  was  I.     Where  is  he?     Where  is  Jesus?     I 
do  not  see  him. 

CAIAPHAS 

He  is  in  the  Judgment  Hall  with  Pilate. 

JUDAS 

You  are  asking  Pilate  to  kill  him!     Is  it  true 
you  are  asking  Pilate  to  kill  him? 

SIMEON 

[Pushing  Judas  back.]      Is  this  the  way  to  ad 
dress  the  High  Priest? 

CAIAPHAS 
Do  him  no  harm. 
[Simeon  releases  Judas.] 

DAVID 

(Damascene) 

[To  Caiaphas.]     May  I  speak  a  little? 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  221 

CAIAPHAS 
Be  brief. 

[Caiaphas  and  several  of  the  priests  engage  in 
conversation  while  David  is  speaking.'] 

DAVID 

[  To  the  crowd.']  None  should  do  our  Worthy 
High  Priest  injustice,  or  any  of  the  priests  and 
members  of  the  Council.  We  look  to  them  for 
wisdom  and  light.  You  are  here  asking  Pilate  to 
crucify  Jesus,  the  Galilean  teacher.  Is  it  not 
true? 

MANY  VOICES 

It  is  true !  ...  He  shall  die !  ...  The  Gov 
ernor  will  crucify  him ! 

DAVID 

Two  days  ago  this  Galilean  drove  the  traders 
and  changers  from  the  Temple. 

A  VOICE 
He  shall  suffer  for  it ! 

DAVID 

On  that  day  many  of  you  applauded  the  act. 
I  ask  you,  was  it  a  good  or  an  evil  act? 

ZARA 

(Jerusalemite) 

The  traders  and  changers  abused  the  people. 


222  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

NATHAN 

(Galilean) 

They  extorted  money  from  the  people. 

DAVID 

I  see  standing  here  some  who  gave  the  Galilean 
aid. 

A  VOICE 
The  traders  desecrated  the  house  of  God! 

DAVID 

I  honor  our  priests  and  councilors,  and  I  love 
the  Law,  and  I  too  gave  him  aid.  Was  it  a  good 
or  an  evil  act  to  drive  out  the  traders  and 
changers  from  the  house  of  God? 

A  VOICE 
It  was  a  good  act! 

DAVID 
Has  it  changed  in  these  two  days? 

CAIAPHAS 

[Awakening  to  what  is  happening,  angered.] 
Be  silent!  Who  are  you  that  comes  as  a  friend 
and  are  a  traitor? 

[Several  persons  surround  David,  as  if  to  seize 
him,  and  others  come  forward  in  his  defense.] 

JOSEPH 

(Arimathean) 

Worthy  High  Priest,  let  there  be  no  violence! 
Pilate  will  not  tolerate  violence  here ! 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  223 

CAIAPHAS 
Stand  apart!     We  will  have  no  blows  struck! 

JOSEPH 

(Arimathean) 

This  man's  name  is  David.  He  is  of  Damas 
cus.  He  is  a  pious  man. 

SEVERAL  VOICES 

[Amid  jeers  and  hisses.]  Let  him  speak!  .  .  . 
Let  him  speak!  .  .  . 

DAVID 

[To  the  people.]  I  honor  the  priests.  I 
honor  the  councilors.  But  is  it  right  to  crucify 
him  because  he  made  clean  the  house  of  God? 

[Some  in  the  crowd  cry  out  for  the  death  of 
Jesus,  and  some  that  he  shall  not  die.'} 

CAIAPHAS 

Silence,  everyone !  It  is  true  he  drove  out  the 
traders  and  changers.  We  do  not  ask  his  death 
for  that.  The  Council  itself  ere  long  again  would 
have  placed  the  traders  and  changers  upon  the 
street,  as  in  the  time  of  our  fathers.  We  ask  his 
death  because  he  has  announced  himself  to  be 
Messias.  Do  you  of  Damascus,  and  some  of  you 
standing  here  that  applauded  his  words,  believe 
him  to  be  Messias? 

DAVID 

I    know   he    is    a    great   teacher.     I   know    he 


224  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

preaches  repentance  and  love  toward  one  another. 
Perhaps  some  of  his  followers  have  said  foolish 
things  of  him. 

CAIAPHAS 

Answer  me!  Is  he  or  is  he  not  the  Son  of 
God? 

DAVID 
He  is  not.     Does  he  say  he  is? 

CAIAPHAS 

A  moment  since,  here  before  all  the  people,  he 
said  it. 

DAVID 

It  is  pitiful  that  he  has  said  it. 

JUDAS 

O  worthy  priests,  and  friends  and  enemies  of 
Jesus,  he  may  yet  show  us  that  he  is  the  Son  of 
God!  [Laughter  and  hisses.'}  I  have  seen  him 
still  the  sea  when  the  storm  beat  upon  it.  I  have 
seen  the  lame  walk  when  he  touched  them.  I 
have  seen  a  man  brought  to  life  after  he  had  been 
dead  four  days.  [More  laughter.} 

ANNAS 
You  are  mad  with  love  of  him. 

JUDAS 
O  priests,  he  may  yet  free  himself!     There  is 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  225 

yet  time.     God  is  watching.     I  am  sure  God  is 
watching ! 

CAIAPHAS 
It  is  ridiculous.     He  cannot  free  himself. 

JUDAS 

But  should  he  fail,  you  will  not  ask  his  death? 
I  have  seen  him  nurse  the  sick,  and  hunger  that 
the  poor  might  have  to  eat. 

CAIAPHAS 

He  has  claimed  the  place  of  Moses.  He  must 
die. 

[The  crowd  shouts  approval.] 

JOSEPH 

(Arimathean) 

Worthy  High  Priest,  hear  me  a  moment,  and 
all  you  people  hear  me  a  moment.  I  am  a  Jew. 
I  am  a  member  of  the  Council.  Moses  is  my 
lawgiver,  and  the  religion  of  our  fathers  is  my  re 
ligion.  But  am  I  perfect  because  I  am  a  Jew  and 
endeavor  to  obey  the  Law?  On  that  day  our 
mothers  bear  us  are  we  the  children  of  error. 
Who  standing  here  is  perfect?  .  .  . 

ANNAS 

[Interrupting.']  Why  are  you  multiplying 
words?  What  have  we  to  do  with  you? 


226  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

JOSEPH 

Bear  with  me  a  little  longer.  Has  this  Gali 
lean  said  that  he  is  the  Son  of  Man  spoken  of  by 
the  prophet  Daniel? 

ANNAS 
He  has  said  it.     All  heard  him. 

JOSEPH 

He  has  greatly  erred.  But  have  we  not  taught 
our  children  for  generations  that  God  will  one 
day  send  us  his  son?  How  -simple  it  is  for  a 
young  man,  in  the  years  of  his  dreams,  wander 
ing  over  the  hills  in  the  twilight,  brooding  on  the 
shortcomings  of  life,  to  feel  within  himself  that 
the  Lord  has  sent  him  to  sweeten  the  ways  of  the 
bitter  world ! 

LEVI 

He  has  declared  himself  to  be  Messias. 

JOSEPH 

He  is  not  the  first,  nor  will  he  be  the  last,  to 
fancy  himself  touched  with  fire  from  the  clouds, 
and  called  by  heavenly  voices  in  the  night.  And 
can  you  say,  or  can  I  say,  that  God  has  not  whis 
pered  to  him  some  things? 

LEVI 

Can  any  man  improve  the  works  of  God!  He 
has  sought  to  change  our  religion. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          227 

JOSEPH 
He  will  not  be  the  last. 

LEVI 

No  man  shall  change  our  religion.  Death  shall 
be  his  reward. 

JOSEPH 

It  would  be  better  to  let  him  live;  for  I  have 
heard  that  he  has  also  said,  "  Come  to  me  you 
who  are  heavy  laden  and  I  will  give  you  rest," 
and  in  the  shadow  of  his  love  the  poor  have 
rested. 

CAIAPHAS 

Why  should  the  poor  rest  in  him?  Who  is 
he?  ... 

JOSEPH 
He  alone  hath  bidden  them  come. 

CAIAPHAS 

Are  you,  too,  persuaded  to  follow  this  Messias 
of  rags  —  you  a  member  of  the  Council? 

JOSEPH 

I  do  not  follow  him.  But  Israel  has  need  of 
dreamers  of  other  worlds  and  seers  of  sweeter 
days.  Let  us  gently  correct  his  error,  and  spare 
him  for  the  love  that  is  his.  Why  —  I  myself 
in  youth  once  fancied  that  perhaps  I.  ... 

[Caiaphas,     interrupting,     begins     a     violent 


228  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

speech,  but  his  voice  is  drowned  by  the  shouts  of 
many  persons  rushing  in,  led  by  Booz,  Dathan 
and  other  traders  and  money  changers.  They 
call  repeatedly  for  the  death  of  Jesus.] 

CAIAPHAS 

[To  Joseph.]  Hear  the  voice  of  the  people! 
The  people  are  wise. 

[During  the  noise  and  confusion,  Pilate  and 
Jesus  enter  unobserved  upon  the  balcony.  Pilate 
speaks,  but  is  not  heard.'] 

CAIAPHAS 

The  Governor  is  on  the  balcony!  Everyone 
be  silent! 

PILATE 

How  can  justice  be  done  when  you  all  are  cry 
ing  out  like  men  at  the  games ! 

[While  waiting  for  the  noise  to  subside,  he 
sends  Jesus  down  the  balcony  stairs.  As  Jesus 
reaches  the  pavement,  the  priests  move  to  one 
side,  and  he  stands  alone  in  the  center  of  the 
mob.] 

JUDAS 
[At  Jesus'  back.]     O  Master,  do  it  now! 

JESUS 
[Turning.]      Judas,  is  it  thou? 

JUDAS 
It  is  I,  Master.     Wait  no  longer!     If  thou  art 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          229 

dreaming  wake  up!  Send  down  the  angels  with 
sharp  swords!  [Persons  standing  near  Judas 
laugh  at  him.]  If  thou  canst  not,  O  tell  the  peo 
ple  before  it  is  too  late!  Perhaps  they  will  let 
thee  go  back  to  Galilee. 

JESUS 

[Lifting  up  his  hands,  in  agony.]     O  Father! 
Father!  .  .  . 

[The  crowd  jeers,  drowning  his  voice.] 

Booz 

He  is  calling  upon  his  father. 

KORA 
His  father  was  a  carpenter. 

A  VOICE 

Everybody  be  silent,  so  that  we  can  hear  what 
he  is  saying. 

DAT HAN 

Perhaps  he  wants  his   father  to  build  him  a 
ladder. 

JACOB 

He  should  call  for  a  stonecutter  to  hew  him 
out  a  tomb. 

MANY  PERSONS 

Away  with  him !  .  .  .  Away  with  him,  blas 
phemer! 


230  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

PILATE 

\^AngeredJ\  High  Priest,  command  your  peo 
ple  to  be  orderly,  else  will  I  call  the  guards  from 
the  Tower.  One  would  think  that  insurrection  is 
breeding  here. 

A  VOICE 

Perhaps  it  is! 

CAIAPHAS 

Be  silent!  Everybody  be  silent!  Worthy 
Governor,  do  not  take  seriously  the  utterance  of 
this  madman.  We  make  no  insurrection.  We 
are  a  peaceful  people. 

PILATE 

I  do  not  find  any  fault  worthy  of  death  in  this 
Nazarene. 

\The  priests  and  scribes  mutter  excitedly  among 
themselves,  while  the  people  stand  silent  in  amaze 
ment.^ 

ANNAS 

[IFrathfully.']  If  a  man  proclaims  himself 
king  is  he  not  an  enemy  of  Rome? 

PILATE 

Any  idler  looking  overmuch  at  the  stars  may 
think  himself  a  king.  In  fact  there  are  philoso 
phers  at  Rome  who  say  that  every  man  is  a  king. 

ANNAS 
He  has  proclaimed  himself  a  king. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          231 

PILATE 

But  he  says  that  his  kingdom  is  not  of  this 
world.  I  do  not  know  where  it  is.  I  think  he 
does  not  know  himself.  Likely  he  is  a  king,  a 
king  of  fools,  whose  words  you  have  taken  too 
seriously. 

SARAS 

He  is  one  who  has  the  gift  of  words.  His 
words  are  swords.  His  soft  words  are  poisonous 
like  the  tongue  of  the  adder.  They  are  more 
dangerous  than  his  hard  words. 

CAIAPHAS 

Moreover,  he  says  he  is  the  king  of  Israel. 
Ask  him,  Worthy  Governor,  if  he  does  not  say 
he  is  the  king  of  Israel. 

PILATE 

[Looking  down  at  Jesus.]  Are  you  the  king 
of  Israel? 

JUDAS 

[In  a  loud  whisper  to  Jesus. ]  Now,  O  Mas 
ter,  now !  Answer  him  by  a  great  deed !  It 
would  be  wonderful  to  rise  up  a  moment  in  mid 
air!  Or  clap  thy  hands  together  thrice,  and  let 
a  river  of  rain  wash  down  upon  us !  Then  in  a 
loud  voice  bid  the  rain  cease,  and  let  it  be  so !  .  .  . 

[The  people  laugh.~\ 


232  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

PILATE 

[To  Judas.]  Stop  talking.  [To  Jesus.] 
Answer  me.  Do  you  say  you  are  the  king  of 
Israel? 

JESUS 

I  am  he  whom  I  have  said.  .  .  . 
[The   people,    jeering,    drown    his   voice    and 
crowd  in  upon  him.] 

PILATE 

Captain,  push  back  the  people!  Silence!  Si 
lence  !  I  want  to  hear  what  he  is  saying. 

TERRENO 
Back,  back,  I  say,  all  of  you ! 

CAIAPHAS 
Everybody,  stand  back  and  be  silent. 

JUDAS 
[To  Jesus.]     Now,  Master,  thou  wilt  do  it! 

JESUS 

[Throwing  his  hands  wildly  into  the  air.  In  a 
voice  of  terrible  aaony.]  Father,  Father,  now  is 
the  hour!  Fill  with  love  the  hearts  of  the  peo 
ple!  .  .  .  [His  voice  is  drowned  in  laughter  and 
hisses.] 

Booz 
Call  louder.     Perhaps  he  did  not  hear  you. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          233 

KORA 
Try  again,  Jesus. 

JESUS 
[Falling  to  his  knees.]  Father!  Father!  .  .  . 

JUDAS 

Master,  how  is  it  with  thee? 
[Jesus  starts,  rises  suddenly,  and  moves  as  if 
to  walk  away;  but  the  crowd  is  walled  around  him 
on  all  sides.] 

Booz 

Call  again  upon  your  father.  Perhaps  he  is 
asleep. 

PILATE 

Silence  with  these  taunts!  The  man  is  ridicu 
lous  enough. 

SARAS 
Worthy  Governor,  .  .  . 

PILATE 

[Interrupting.]  I  will  not  hear  any  more  ar 
guments  or  restatements  of  the  evidence.  The 
man  has  been  a  disturber.  He  shall  be  punished. 
[The  crowd  cheers.]  When  he  has  been  soundly 
scourged,  perhaps  he  will  no  longer  think  that  he 
is  the  king  of  Israel,  or  that  your  God  is  his 
father.  I,  therefore,  order  him  scourged,  after 
which  he  shall  leave  Jerusalem  at  once,  and  be 
free  to  go  home.  .  .  . 


234  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

[The  outbreak  of  dissatisfaction  among  the 
priests,  each  entreating  Pilate  in  a  loud  voice,  and 
the  threatening  cries  of  the  mob,  drown  his  voice. 
Pilate's  gestures  indicate  that  he  is  giving  the  sol 
diers  directions  as  to  the  scourging.  The  Roman 
soldiers,  by  Terreno's  command,  lay  hold  on 
Jesus,  and  hurry  him  of  at  left,  followed  by  some 
of  the  crowd.  Pilate  retires  into  the  palace,  amid 
the  clamoring  of  the  priests  and  the  uproar  of  the 
people.] 

CAIAPHAS 

[After  the  noise  has  subsided  a  little.]  Priests, 
scribes,  elders,  and  councilors,  gather  here  by 
Annas.  Everyone  else  stand  where  he  is.  We 
will  not  give  up  until  the  Nazarene  is  on  the 
cross.  The  blood  of  our  ancestors  is  still  in  us. 

[The  priests,  scribes,  elders,  and  councilors 
gather  around  Annas,  and  engage  in  earnest  dis 
cussion.'} 

CAIAPHAS 

[To  the  people.]  You  all  remember  the  silver 
eagles ! 

THE  CROWD 

We  remember!   .   .  .  We  remember!  .  .  . 
CAIAPHAS 

For  five  days  and  five  nights  we  cried  aloud 
until  the  Romans  removed  the  heathen  images 
from  among  us. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  235 

THE  CROWD 

So  will  we  now!  .  .  .  We  will  not  cease  to 
cry  out!  .  .  . 

CAIAPHAS 
Not  till  this  enemy  of  God  has  tasted  death. 

LEVI 

[  Turning  to  Caiaphas  and  the  people,  confiden 
tially.  ]  We  have  just  now  learned  that  it  is  whis 
pered  in  the  palace  that  Procula,  Pilate's  wife, 
has  had  a  strange  dream  about  the  Nazarene.  A 
foolish  interpretation  has  caused  Pilate  to  deny  us. 

ANNAS 

O  thou  God  of  our  fathers,  must  I  in  my  old 
age  behold  Israel  ruled  by  the  dreams  of  a  woman ! 

MANY  VOICES 

No !  ...  no !  ...  no !  ... 

[From  now  on,  when  there  is  a  lull  in  the  noise 
of  the  crowd,  may  be  heard  the  measured  blows  of 
the  scourges.] 

DARPHAS 

He  does  not  cry  out.  Why  does  he  not  cry 
out? 

AMIEL 
It  may  be  he  is  still  expecting  God  to  help  him. 


236  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

CAIAPHAS 

[Turning  to  the  priests,  scribes,  elders,  and 
councilors,  in  a  low  'voice.'}  Pilate  is  not  moved 
by  dreams.  Nor  is  he  afraid  of  the  Nazarene. 
He  is  punishing  us  for  past  deeds  and  schooling 
us  for  future  use.  But  we  will  not  be  schooled 
by  him!  All  of  you  go  quickly  among  the  peo 
ple  here  and  tell  each  to  stand  firm.  Tell  each  to 
cry  out  for  the  Nazarene's  death,  and  cry  out 
again  and  again.  We  will  shake  these  marble 
columns  with  the  noise  of  our  despair.  This  is 
still  Israel  and  not  Rome ! 

\_As  the  priests,  scribes,  elders,  and  councilors 
move  through  the  crowd,  all  manner  of  cries  are 
heard,  "  We  demand  the  death  of  Jesus!  .  .  . 
Come  back,  Pilate!  .  .  .  Come  out  again!  .  .  . 
We  hate  cowardice!  .  .  .  We  demand  justice! 
.  .  .  No  honest  men  would  rule  us  by  the  silly 
dreams  of  a  woman!  .  .  "  etc.  Presently  the 
bronze  doors  violently  swing  open,  and  Pilate 
hastens  to  the  front  of  the  balcony.  He  raises  his 
hand  for  silence.  Order  is  slowly  restored.  The 
measured  blows  of  the  scourges  are  heard  again.} 

PILATE 

[Angrily.}  I  ask  you  to  be  quiet  and  disperse. 
I  have  given  my  decision.  [Many  voices  break 
out  again.}  Be  quiet,  or  you  will  provoke  me  to 
call  the  guards  from  the  Tower! 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          237 

THE  CROWD 

[Heard  above  the  confusion  and  uproar.] 
Call  the  guards !  .  .  .  Call  the  guards !  .  .  .  We 
do  not  care !  .  .  .  We  will  not  stop  crying  out 
till  the  Nazarene  is  dead!  .  .  . 

[There  is  much  pushing  about  in  the  crowd,  but 
none  go  away.  During  the  noise  and  confusion, 
Pilate  beckons  Caiaphas  to  come  to  him.  The 
two  exchange  some  words,  Pilate  talking  very 
earnestly  and  pointing  toward  the  people,  and 
Caiaphas  shaking  his  head.] 

PILATE 

[Again  raising  his  hand  for  order.]  You, 
High  Priest,  scribes,  and  elders,  I  ask  you  to 
command  the  people  to  be  silent  and  disperse! 

[Another  outbreak  is  beginning  when  Caiaphas 
motions  for  quiet.] 

CAIAPHAS 

O  Governor,  the  hearts  of  the  people  have 
been  wounded!  The  God  of  the  people  has  been 
blasphemed.  Moses,  the  light  of  the  people,  has 
been  spit  upon!  For  ages  our  God  has  been  a 
solace  in  dark  hours.  And  we  have  had  dark 
hours.  This  people  has  had  dark  hours.  Is 
there  anything  in  thy  household  here  or  back  in 
Rome,  O  Governor,  as  dear  to  thee  as  our  God 
is  to  us?  There  is  nothing  that  will  still  the  voice 
of  the  people.  I  could  not  still  it  for  more  than 


238  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

a  moment  if  I  would.  The  guards  from  the 
Tower  have  no  terror  for  them.  They  them 
selves  are  more  terrible  in  their  love  of  God  than 
the  guards  of  the  Tower  in  their  love  of  Rome. 
The  people  seek  only  the  love  and  forgiveness  of 
their  God. 

ALL  THE  PEOPLE 
Blessed  be  his  name !  .  .  . 
PILATE 

Then  I  will  remind  you,  High  Priest,  and  all 
who  are  clamoring  here,  that  this  is  the  day  on 
which  it  is  the  custom  for  me  to  release  to  you  a 
prisoner. 

CAIAPHAS 
We  have  not  forgotten  it. 

PILATE 

Your  High  Priest  says  that  you  seek  only  the 
love  and  forgiveness  of  your  God.  Will  not 
your  love  and  forgiveness  include  this  foolish  man 
whose  back  is  bleeding  yonder,  as  you  expect  the 
love  and  forgiveness  of  your  God  to  include 
you?  .  .  . 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 
No !  ...  no !  ...  no ! 

PILATE 

Silence !  I  have  not  finished.  I  have  heard  in 
the  palace  that  he  often  has  been  seen  from  the 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          239 

palace  windows  going  about  quietly,  as  if  in  a 
state  of  dreams,  with  his  humble  followers.  And 
I  have  heard  that  men  say  he  gives  to  the  poor 
and  does  not  seek  gain  for  himself. 

CAIAPHAS 

The  people  will  have  Barabbas  released,  not 
Jesus. 

PRIESTS  AND  SCRIBES 
Release  Barabbas!     Barabbas!  .  .  . 

PILATE 

You  are  not  the  people.  I  will  hear  the  peo 
ple.  [To  the  crowd.]  Will  you  have  Jesus  or 
Barabbas  released? 

THE  PEOPLE 

Barabbas!  .  .  .  Barabbas!  .  .  .  Barabbas!  ...  To 
the  cross  with  Jesus !  .  .  . 

[Judas  has  entered  from  the  left,  and  works  his 
way  through  the  crowd  to  the  balcony  just  below 
Pilate.-] 

JUDAS 

Governor,  O  Governor,  release  Jesus!  A  ter 
rible  wrong.  .  .  . 

THE  PEOPLE 

[Drowning  the  voice  of  Judas.]  We  will  have 
Barabbas  released!  .  .  .  Barabbas!  .  .  .  Barab 
bas!  . 


340  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

[Judas  is  roughly  handled  while  the  crowd  is 
calling  for  Barabbas;  he  is  pushed  off  at  left, 
toward  the  place  where  the  soldiers  are  scourging 
Jesus.] 

PILATE 

I  shall  send  for  Barabbas,  that  you  may  behold 
standing  together  a  murderer  and  one  whose  only 
fault  seems  to  be  that  he  has  looked  overmuch  at 
the  stars. 

[As  Pilate  turns  to  retire  into  the  palace,  the 
soldiers,  followed  by  a  noisy  crowd,  bring  in  Jesus. 
He  is  tottering,  his  back  is  covered  with  blood, 
and  his  face  is  white,  like  the  face  of  a  dead  per 
son.  Surrounded  by  soldiers,  he  stands  trembling 
in  front  of  the  balcony. ] 

PILATE 

[In  disgust.]  Behold  your  king!  [Enters 
the  palace.] 

THE  PRIESTS 
We  have  no  king  but  Caesar!  .  .  . 

CAIAPHAS 

Scribes,  priests,  elders,  and  councilors,  follow 
me.  We  must  take  counsel  of  one  another.  The 
hours  are  passing.  We  must  quickly  finish  this 
holy  work.  [To  the  crowd.]  Everyone  remain 
where  he  is,  while  we  step  aside  a  little  to  think 
among  ourselves.  O  children  of  generations  of 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          241 

holy  men,  if  you  remain  steadfast,  nothing  can 
stay  the  hand  of  God  I 

THE  PEOPLE 

We  will  remain  steadfast!  .  .  .  We  will  be 
faithful!  .  .  . 

[The  priests,  scribes,  elders,  and  councilors, 
following  Caiaphas,  push  their  way  out  at  right. 
Jesus  is  alone  in  the  midst  of  the  people  and  sol 
diers.  They  stand  staring  at  him.'] 

Booz 

(Trader) 

[To  Terreno.]  Captain,  we  would  worship 
our  new  king. 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 

Let  us  worship  our  new  king !  Let  us  worship 
him!  .  .  . 

[A  spirit  of  merriment  takes  hold  of  the 
crowd.] 

TERRENO 

(Captain  Roman  Guards) 

Stand  back,  all  of  you!  [The  guards  push 
back  the  people.]  Does  he  look  like  a  king? 

KORA 

(Money  Changer) 

He  looks  precisely  like  a  king.  His  back  is 
covered  with  a  scarlet  cloak. 


242  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

BENJAMIN 

(Trader) 

But  he  has  no  crown. 

DATHAN 

(Money  Changer) 

O  Captain,  send  a  soldier  to  fetch  a  crown  for 
him.  Yonder  by  the  fountain  are  bushes.  A 
green  crown  will  be  very  becoming.  Ancient 
kings  wore  emerald  studded  crowns  —  did  they 
not?  Perhaps  Caesar  himself  has  one.  I  am 
sure  Csesar  has  one.  Jesus  shall  have  everything 
that  Caesar  has. 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 
A  crown,   ...  a  crown  for  our  king!   .  .  . 

TERRENO 

[To  the  soldiers.]  The  Jews  will  honor  their 
king.  We  will  not  deny  them.  Fetch  a  branch 
from  yonder  bush  for  a  crown.  [Taking  a  cloak 
from  the  back  of  one  of  the  soldiers.]  And  here 
is  a  robe  for  the  king.  It  is  scarlet.  It  should 
be  purple.  Caesar's  robes  are  purple. 

Booz 

It  has  a  purple  border.  It  is  like  enough  to 
Caesar's.  Put  it  on  him.  We  must  not  be  too 
particular. 

A  VOICE 
Here  is  a  reed.     The  king  must  have  a  scepter. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  243 

TERRENO 

[Throws  the  cloak  over  the  shoulders  of  Jesus 
and  offers  him  the  reed.  He  pays  no  attention.] 
Take  the  scepter,  king! 

Booz 

Take  the  reed,  Messias,  or  by  Abraham  we  will 
not  worship  you ! 

[There  is  pushing  about,  talking  and  laughing 
among  the  people;  the  traders,  money  changers, 
and  others  mingle  freely  with  the  Roman  soldiers 
surrounding  Jesus.] 

A  SOLDIER 

[Striking    Jesus     a    sharp     blow    across     the 
knuckles]      Take  the  scepter,  do  you  hear? 
[Jesus  takes  the  reed] 

ANOTHER  SOLDIER 
Hail,  king  of  the  Jews! 

TERRENO 

O  noble  king,  will  you  be  bathed  to-day  in  the 
dark  wine  fetched  from  the  port  of  Syracuse,  or 
in  the  yellow  milk  of  the  wild  goats  of  Arabia? 

[The  crowd  cheers] 

A  SOLDIER 

[Plucking  at  his  beard]  Will  you  have  your 
hair  touched  a  bit  with  dust  of  gold?  You  do  not 
answer.  You  are  too  modest  for  a  king.  At 


244  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

least  your  eyelashes  —  that  will  please  the  young 
women  who  admire  you. 

Booz 
Captain,  I  too  would  worship  him. 

THE  CROWD 

And  I !  .  .  .  and  1 1  ...  let  us  all  worship 
him! 

TERRENO 

Order,  stand  back;  or  I  will  stop  the  cere 
monies  !  Form  a  line,  then  all  may  pay  him  some 
noble  praise. 

[  The  Jews  and  soldiers  form  a  line,  amid  mer 
riment  and  many  acclamations  of  "  Hail,  King! 
Hail,  King  of  Israel!  "] 

DATHAN 

Wait,  here  comes  the  crown-bearer. 
[One  pushes  his  way  in  and  hands  Terreno  a 
branch  of  green  leaves  drawn  into  a  circle.] 

TERRENO 

Order,  silence!  I  will  crown  your  king. 
\_Hesitates.~]  This  crown  has  thorns. 

THE  CROWD 
Crown  him  1     Crown  him !  .  .  . 

Booz 
The  thorns  will  hold  it  fast  to  his  head.     It  is 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  245 

a  good  thing  to  have  thorns  on  a  crown.     All 
crowns  ought  to  have  them. 

TERRENO 

[Placing  the  branch  of  leaves  upon  the  head  of 
Jesus.']  Now  each  as  he  passes  may  pay  him 
some  noble  praise.  Move  quickly,  and  let  your 
speech  be  brief,  that  all  may  honor  him. 

A  SOLDIER 

[Kneeling.']  King  of  Israel,  Caesar  invites 
you  to  Rome.  [Arises,  takes  the  reed  from  the 
hand  of  Jesus,  strikes  him  across  the  face  with  it, 
and  hands  it  back.] 

KORA 

[Kneeling.]     O  King,  bring  back.  .  .  . 

TERRENO 
You  are  kneeling  in  blood. 

KORA 

[Moving  aside.]  O  King,  give  back  my  money 
which  thou  didst  scatter  over  the  floor  of  the 
Temple.  [Spits  upon  him.] 

TERRENO 

Make  haste,  pass  on,  that  each  may  have  his 
turn. 

Booz 

[Kneeling.]  Messias,  bring  back  my  eleven 
sheep  that  thou  didst  hurl  into  the  valley  of  the 


246  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

Temple  and  kill.  [Arising,  strikes  him  viciously 
on  the  face.  Jesus  staggers  and  is  about  to  fall, 
but  is  held  up  by  several  persons.  The  crowd 
cheers.] 

TERRENO 

[Pushing  Booz  away.~\  I  will  not  have  him 
worshipped  so  ardently.  Let  your  devotion  be 
measured  by  moderation.  The  man  must  still  be 
on  his  feet  when  the  Governor  returns. 

JACOB 

O  King,  bring  back  out  of  the  air  my  doves 
which  thou  didst  frighten  away  on  the  day  before 
yesterday ! 

A  SOLDIER 

[Kissing  a  corner  of  the  cloak  covering  Jesus.] 
O  King  of  the  Jews,  since  I  have  seen  thee,  the 
gods  of  Rome  do  not  charm  me  any  longer.  But 
thy  crown  is  not  on  straight.  [Straightens  the 
crown,  and  presses  it  firmly  on  the  head  of  Jesus, 
until  the  blood  trickles  down  his  face.]  So,  that 
is  better;  it  should  sit  firmly  upon  thy  noble  brow. 
[The  crowd  cheers  again.] 

[Judas  has  climbed  part  way  up  the  stairs  lead 
ing  to  the  balcony] 

JUDAS 

[Calling  down  to  Jesus]  O  Master,  Jesus, 
Master!  . 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          247 

BENJAMIN 

What  grief  in  this  man's  words!  Is  he  a  fol 
lower  of  Jesus? 

Booz 

It  was  he  that  led  us  last  night  to  the  hiding 
place  of  our  new  king.  Let  him  worship  our  new 
king. 

JUDAS 

Master,  O  Master!  [Jesus  turns  toward 
Judas.]  They  are  killing  thee!  Save  thyself! 

SEVERAL  PERSONS 

Save  thyself!  .  .  .  Call  again  to  the  sky!  .  .  . 
Do  a  great  miracle  and  we  will  believe  in  thee! 
.  .  .  We  will  carry  the  news  through  Israel  and 
the  world! 

Booz 

Save  yourself!  Did  you  not  tell  the  people 
that  you  will  one  day  sit  on  the  right  hand  of 
God  and  judge  Israel?  When  you  are  dead,  we 
will  tear  your  flesh  and  burn  it  to  ashes,  that  you 
may  not  be  gathered  together  again  in  all  eternity. 

JESUS 

[Dropping  the  reed  and  lifting  his  hands,  in 
terrible  agony.']  Father,  Father,  forsake  me  not! 
Look  upon  me !  I  bleed,  I  die !  .  .  .  [Sinks  to 
the  pavement.] 


248  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JUDAS 

[As  several  persons  lift  Jesus.]  O  Master, 
give  up  thy  folly !  Arouse  thyself !  Thy  mother 
and  brothers  grieve  for  thee.  Tell  the  people 
thou  art  not  he  whom  thou  hast  said.  They  are 
killing  thee ! 

A  VOICE 

This  fellow  is  a  follower  of  the  Nazarene. 
Let  us  take  him.  Let  us  scourge  him ! 

[Judas  is  dragged  down  the  stairs,  and  the 
noise  turns  to  uproar.'] 

TERRENO 

We  will  have  no  fighting  here!  Order!  Si 
lence  !  Stand  back! 

[The  soldiers  interfere  and  Judas  rushes  out. 
Caiaphas,  priests,  elders,  scribes,  and  councilors 
re-enter  from  right.] 

Booz 

Let  us  go  on  with  the  ceremonies.  [Strikes 
Jesus  on  the  face  with  the  reed,  then  replaces  it 
in  his  hand]  O  noble  King!  .  .  . 

CAIAPHAS 

[Approaching]  What  are  you  doing  with 
him?  I  will  not  allow  this  mockery.  I  will  not 
allow  it!  We  do  not  punish  blasphemers  with 
mockery.  Take  the  cloak  from  his  shoulders  and 
the  leaves  from  his  head. 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE  249 

[As  the  people  move  back,  and  the  soldiers 
again  surround  Jesus,  the  bronze  doors  open,  and 
several  guards  and  a  prisoner  enter.  His  hands 
are  bound,  and  he  is  clothed  in  torn  garments. 
His  eyes  are  nervous  and  his  face  hard  and  pale. 
He  is  led  to  the  front  of  the  balcony.  Pilate  fol 
lows.] 

MANY  PERSONS 
[Shouting.]     Barabbas!   .  .   .  Barabbas!  .  .  . 

PILATE 

Silence!  [To  the  guards  below.]  Bring  the 
Nazarene  upon  the  balcony. 

[Jesus  totters  slowly  up  the  stairs  between  two 
soldiers  and  is  placed  by  the  side  of  Barabbas.] 

PILATE 

[To  Terreno]  Your  men  have  overdone  the 
scourging. 

TERRENO 

Worthy  Governor,  he  was  not  strong  when  they 
began. 

PILATE 

His  back  is  bleeding  as  if  it  had  been  cut  with 
sabers.  [To  the  people.]  According  to  the 
custom,  I  shall  release  a  prisoner.  The  people 
shall  choose.  I  will  have  the  people  speak 
freely.  I  will  not  have  anyone  frighten  or  in 
struct  the  people.  I  will  not  hear  the  voice  of 


250  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

the  priests  coming  from  the  lips  of  the  people. 
Even  now,  while  I  am  speaking,  I  see  priests  and 
councilors  whispering  here  and  there.  I  do  not 
know  what  they  are  whispering;  but  I  will  hear 
the  voice  of  the  people,  and  not  the  voice  of  the 
priests  and  councilors.  .  .  .  Behold  these  two 
men !  One  an  enemy  of  Rome,  a  leader  of  a 
band  of  murderous  rebels;  the  other  a  poor  but 
man-loving  fool  who  fancied  himself  to  be  a  god. 
Choose.  .  .  . 

THE  PEOPLE 

[Loud  and  continuously.']  Barabbas!  Ba- 
rabbas !  Barabbas !  .  .  . 

PILATE 

[Lifting  his  hands  and  motioning  for  silence.'} 
Enough!  You  have  spoken.  I  release  Barab 
bas,  a  rebel  and  conspirator.  [To  the  guards.'] 
Unbind  him,  send  him  down  to  the  people. 

[There  are  loud  cheers  for  Barabbas  as  he 
descends  the  balcony.] 

ANNAS 
The  charges  against  him  were  exaggerated. 

PILATE 

I  will  not  hear  the  point  debated.  I  have  re 
leased  him  —  have  I  not?  [To  the  people.] 
As  for  this  other  man,  this  man  of  strange  fan 
cies,  this  Nazarene,  tottering  here,  besmeared  in 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          251 

his  own  blood,  has  he  not  suffered  enough?     Has 
he  not  .  .  . 

THE  PEOPLE 

[Drowning  the  voice  of  Pilate. ]  Crucify  him ! 
Crucify  him !  To  the  cross  with  him !  .  .  . 

[Pilate  lifts  his  hands  for  order,  but  the  people 
continue  to  cry  out  until  Caiaphas  motions  them 
to  be  silent.] 

CAIAPHAS 

0  Governor,  is  it  not  better  that  one  man  shall 
die  than  that  Jerusalem  shall  be  in  uproar  and 
discontent?     The  highest  court  in  Israel  has  con 
demned  this  king  of  the  Jews,  this  blasphemer  of 
the  God  of  Israel,  this  rebel  against  the  authority 
of   Rome.     The   people    demand  his   death.     It 
would  not  sound  well  in  the  ears  of  Caesar,  should 
he  be  told  that  the  tumult  in  Jerusalem  arose  be 
cause  his  honored  representative  had  sheltered  and 
protected  one  who  denied  the  authority  of  Rome, 
claimed  for  himself  the  right  to  judge  the  people, 
and  declared  himself  the  king  of  Israel. 

PILATE 

[Irritated.]  Do  you  tell  me,  before  my  eyes, 
at  the  door  of  my  palace,  within  sight  of  my  sol 
diers,  that  you  will  send  complaints  to  Tiberius? 

CAIAPHAS 

1  will  not  send  complaints.     But  there  are  many 


252  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

thousands  of  persons  from  many  lands  now  gath 
ered  in  Jerusalem.  The  clamors  of  discontent 
have  swift-running  feet.  Moreover,  if  there  is 
rebellious  uproar  here,  will  not  Tiberius  inquire 
the  cause?  What  amazement  will  be  his  when  he 
ponders,  "  A  rebel  against  my  authority  is  fos 
tered  by  my  Governor  "  ! 

PILATE 

You  have  not  proven  the  Nazarene  a  rebel. 
You  have  proven  that  he  is  a  man  who  thinks  he 
sees  things  other  persons  do  not  see,  a  dreamer, 
one  who  has  said  something  about  your  religion 
you  do  not  like.  Is  that  not  true? 

[The  people  hiss.'] 

CAIAPHAS 

Would  Tiberius  pause  to  make  fine  distinctions 
should  the  tumult  of  rebellion  touch  his  ears? 

PILATE 

[Angered.']  Do  you  threaten  me  with  rebel 
lion? 

CAIAPHAS 

I  do  not  threaten;  but  the  people  now  gathered 
in  Jerusalem  —  who  will  stop  the  cries  of  the 
discontented  people? 

PILATE 

[In  disgust."]  Take  your  king.  .  .  .  Crucify 
him! 


THE  TRIAL  BEFORE  PILATE          253 

[Turns  and  re-enters  the  palace.  Amid  the 
deafening  cheers  of  the  crowd,  Jesus  is  dragged 
from  the  balcony,  and  hurried  of  at  left,  sur 
rounded  by  soldiers  and  followed  by  all  the  peo 
ple,  many  crying  out  amid  the  uproar,  "  To  the 
cross!  .  .  .  To  the  cross  with  him!  .  .  ." 
After  a  time  the  cries  grow  fainter  and  fainter. 
Then  silence. ,] 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  V 
THE  RESURRECTION 


PERSONS  IN  ACT  V 


JOSEPH,  an  Arimathean 
Two  SERVANTS  OF  JOSEPH 
JOANNA 
SALOME 


TERRENO,   Captain   of 

Roman  Guards 
MARY,  a  Magdalene 


the 


ACT  V 

It  is  just  before  daybreak  of  the  second  morn 
ing  following.  The  outlines  of  a  few  trees  and 
bushes  are  discernible,  and  at  back  and  left  the 
beginning  of  a  cragged  cliff.  As  the  action  pro 
ceeds,  the  coming  dawn  lights  the  scene  a  little. 

[Three  men  enter  from  the  right  and  go  toward 
the  cliff.] 

JOSEPH 

Here  is  the  tomb.  Put  down  the  bier.  Here, 
by  the  side  of  the  Holy  City,  had  I  thought  to  lie 
in  my  last  sleep.  But  now  my  mind  is  changed. 
This  city  is  no  holier  than  any  other.  Here  mad 
men  live,  as  elsewhere;  and  here  blind  and  re 
vengeful  men  rule.  This  task  done,  we  shall  go 
back  to  Arimathea. 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 

[Setting  down  the  bier.]  Master  Joseph,  we 
laid  him  in  the  tomb  only  the  evening  before  last. 
Why  do  we  take  him  out  again  ? 

JOSEPH 

[After  looking  about.']  My  wife  and  children 
have  given  me  no  peace  since  we  laid  him  here. 
They  say  I  have  dishonored  and  defiled  our  tomb. 

257 


258  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

All  day  yesterday  they  begged  me  to  take  him 
away.  You  two  have  served  me  till  now  we  are 
old  men.  Tell  me,  have  I  dishonored  my  tomb? 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 
Master,  he  was  also  a  thief  —  was  he  not? 

JOSEPH 
Do  they  say  he  was  a  thief? 

THE  OTHER  MAN 

He  was  nailed  to  the  cross  between  two 
thieves.  They  say  he  was  a  fool  who  thought  he 
was  a  prophet.  Some  say  he  thought  he  was 
Messias. 

[They  begin  to  unroll  white  cloths  and  lay 
them  over  the  bier  and  beside  the  tomb.~\ 

JOSEPH 

Wait,  be  silent.     Hear  you  anything? 
[A  pause.] 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 

I  hear  something  yonder.  [Points  toward  the 
tomb.] 

THE  OTHER  MAN 

I  also  hear  something.  It  is  above  the  tomb, 
by  the  trees. 

JOSEPH 

Do  you  think  some  one  is  coming? 
[A  pause.] 


THE  RESURRECTION  259 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 

It  sounds  as  if  some  one  were  walking  over 
dead  leaves  in  the  autumn,  or  like  the  fluttering 
of  green  leaves  in  the  trees. 

THE  OTHER  MAN 

Perhaps  it  is  a  bird  beating  the  night  with  its 
wings.  I  do  not  think  anyone  is  coming. 

JOSEPH 
It  is  no  one. 
[They  continue  spreading  out  the  white  cloths.~\ 

JOSEPH 

Come,  let  us  throw  back  the  stone  from  the 
door.  [The  three  place  themselves  on  the  sides 
of  the  stone.']  Now,  together.  [The  stone  falls 
to  the  earth,  making  a  loud  noise.'} 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 
Master!   .  .  . 

JOSEPH 

Wait  a  little,  do  not  move  or  speak. 
[There  is  silence,  except  a  little  noise  now  and 
then  in  the  trees,  as  a  fluttering  of  leaves. ~\ 

JOSEPH 
We  must  not  be  seen. 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 
Master  Joseph,  from  youth  you  have  done  all 


26o  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

your  deeds  in  the  open.  Why  do  we  take  him 
out  while  it  is  dark?  Why  do  we  not  wait  till 
the  breaking  of  dawn? 

JOSEPH 

[Bending  down  and  looking  into  the  tomb.] 
Come  here  and  look  within.  It  is  whispered  on 
the  streets  by  some  of  his  followers  that  he  lying 
yonder  will  rise  up  and  live  again. 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 

[Shrinking  back.]  Master  Joseph,  it  is 
frightful!  I  do  not  like  to  think  in  the  night  of 
anybody  arising  from  the  dead. 

JOSEPH 

[Drawing  the  bier  nearer  the  door  and  re-ar 
ranging  the  cloths.]  Some  of  them  that  con 
demned  him  at  the  trial  said,  that  if  they  heard  it 
reported  that  he  would  rise  from  the  dead,  they 
would  tear  his  flesh  and  burn  it  to  ashes,  that  he 
might  not  be  gathered  together  again  in  all  eter 
nity.  That  is  why  I  sought  out  the  lonely  place 
where  you  have  dug  his  grave.  We  shall  hide 
him  in  the  earth,  that  no  man  shall  know  where 
he  lies,  not  even  his  followers,  for  they  would  be 
tray  the  place. 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 

O  Master,  do  not  go  into  the  tomb.  Perhaps 
he  will  arise  from  the  dead  while  you  are  within. 


THE  RESURRECTION  261 

JOSEPH 

[Entering.]      Come,  we  will  take  him  out. 
[The   other  man  follows  Joseph.      They   are 
heard  talking.      Then  there  is  silence.] 

THE  MAN  OUTSIDE 
[Calling  softly.]      Master. 

THE  OTHER  MAN 

[Looking  out  of  the  door  of  the  tomb.]  Do 
not  call  him.  He  is  on  his  knees.  He  is  weep 
ing. 

THE  MAN  OUTSIDE 
The  dead  man  —  does  he  stir?  does  he  move? 

THE  OTHER  MAN 

He  does  not  stir. 

[After  a  brief  pause,  Joseph  and  the  man  carry 
out  Jesus  and  lay  him  on  the  bier.  The  two  men 
remove  the  cloths  that  were  about  him,  toss  them 
back  into  the  tomb,  and  wrap  him  in  the  fresh 
cloths  they  have  brought.  Joseph  stands  by  in 
silence.] 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 

Master,  it  is  done.  Shall  we  take  him  to  the 
grave?  [Joseph  still  stands  silent.]  Master, 
we  have  finished.  Shall  we  take  him  away? 

JOSEPH 
Not  yet.     Walk  aside  a  little ;  and  when  I  call 


262  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

you,   come  back  to  me.     For  a  moment  I  will 
stand  here  alone. 

[ The  two  men  go  off  at  left.] 

JOSEPH 

[Beside  the  bier.]  Farewell,  strange  youth, 
farewell.  But  two  days  ago  thou  wast  a  flaming 
scythe  that  mowed  down  the  weeds  in  the  Tem 
ple.  Now  how  still  thou  liest !  What  will  they 
say  in  Galilee  when  thou  comest  not  again?  They 
will  miss  thy  sad  sweet  face,  thy  soft  voice  in  the 
evening,  and  thy  dreaming  eyes,  that  had  looked 
into  the  kingdom  of  God.  The  poor  will  miss 
thee.  They  have  so  few  to  care  for  them.  Thy 
image  will  come  to  them  in  the  twilight,  and  in 
the  night-time  they  will  dream  they  touch  thy 
hand.  A  little  while  only  will  the  world  remem 
ber  thee.  It  has  always  been  so.  Thou  Jesus, 
hadst  thou  known  better  the  ways  of  life,  it  might 
have  gone  less  ill  with  thee.  But  thine  eyes  were 
in  the  stars.  Thou  wast  love  and  fire  and  storm 
and  love  again.  God  made  thee  to  strive.  "A 
flame  he  set  within  thy  breast.  Thou  couldst  not 
quench  it.  Thou  wast  a  harp  the  world  smote 
roughly,  a  reed  that  harsh  winds  broke  in  twain. 
O,  Israel  had  need  of  thee  and  the  better  world 
which  thou  didst  see  in  dream !  Grasping  and 
disputing  priests  and  senseless  ceremonies  have 
made  her  loveless.  Thy  heart  was  full  of  love, 


THE  RESURRECTION  263 

but  thou  art  dead.  Farewell,  sweet  ardent 
youth;  the  twilight  hills  will  miss  thee,  and  the 
sunlit  lanes  of  villages  will  not  again  kiss  thy 
sandaled  feet.  And  I,  an  old  man,  shall  miss 
thee.  In  thee  I  saw  again  my  youth,  and  thought 
I  heard  again  the  far  voices  singing,  and  almost 
heard  my  early  God  whispering  behind  thy  words. 
While  in  their  thoughtless  beds  thy  murderers 
sleep,  thou  also  sleepest.  Yet  if  God,  remember 
ing  still  thy  yearning  soul,  with  balm  of  peaceful 
rest  heal  up  thy  cloven  side,  and  send  down 
warmth  to  pierce  the  earth  and  creep  into  thy 
grave,  thou  wilt  come  forth  whole  and  strong; 
for  I  shall  hide  thee  in  the  earth  from  them  that 
crave  to  tear  and  burn  thy  flesh.  O  God  of 
Abraham,  may  I  have  died  ere  thou  avenge  this 
blood-dripping  piece  of  earth !  In  the  days  of 
judgment,  what  curse  wilt  thou  not  send  upon 
vain  Jerusalem,  that  one  day  loveth  a  man  and 
the  next  crucifieth  him!  Thou  sleepest  from  thy 
weariness.  The  sun  of  thy  brief  day  is  set  ere 
noon.  I  too  am  weary.  I  am  old,  my  day  is 
in  the  evening  twilight;  and  hushed  for  me  will 
be  the  far  off  music  of  hope  and  the  still  whispers 
in  the  night,  and  broken  the  promise  of  the  moon, 
when  I  shall  sit  and  mourn.  Farewell,  gentle 
Galilean.  I  thought  to  serve  thee  better  than  to 
dig  thy  grave.  Forgive  me.  .  .  .  How  still  thou 
liest! 


264  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

ONE  OF  THE  MEN 

[Entering  hurriedly.]  Master,  three  are  com 
ing  yonder. 

JOSEPH 
Take  up  the  body. 

THE  OTHER  MAN 

[Struggling  to  replace  the  stone  before  the  door 
of  the  tomb.~\  Help  me  to  put  back  the  stone. 

JOSEPH 

Let  it  lie.     Come  away. 

[Joseph  goes  off  at  left,  followed  by  the  men 
carrying  the  body.  There  is  now  the  first  faint 
light  of  breaking  day.  At  intervals  a  soft  wind 
rustles  the  leaves.  After  a  pause,  three  women 
enter  at  right.] 

JOANNA 
I  think  we  have  lost  our  way. 

SALOME 
Mary,  have  we  lost  our  way? 

MARY 

(Magdalene) 

Is  not  yonder  the  tomb?      [Sobs.] 

JOANNA 

Do  not  weep.  It  sounds  terrible  in  the  night 
to  hear  anyone  weeping. 


THE  RESURRECTION  265 

SALOME 

You  weep  too  much.  {Coming  to  her.']  You 
are  trembling  like  a  leaf  in  the  wind. 

MARY 
I  will  not  weep  any  more. 

JOANNA 

Let  us  not  go  nearer  the  tomb  till  it  is  light. 
Let  us  anoint  him  in  the  dawn.  I  am  afraid  to 
go  nearer  till  it  is  light. 

SALOME 
Why  are  you  afraid?     He  lies  dead  within. 

MARY 

I  have  brought  ointment  of  myrrh.  It  will 
make  his  body  sweet  like  the  body  of  a  child. 

JOANNA 

I  have  spice  of  aloes.  My  husband  brought  it 
from  the  larder  of  the  Tetrarch.  And  I  have 
oil.  Perhaps  I  have  too  much  oil.  When  we 
have  finished,  he  will  lie  in  the  tomb  like  a  sleep 
ing  child. 

MARY 

Like  a  child  sleeping  in  leaves  of  lilies  that  the 
shepherds  gather  in  the  summer  mornings.  In 
the  whole  world  there  was  no  one  like  to  him. 
He  was  a  rose  blooming  amid  stones.  He  was 
like  the  breaking  of  dawn  in  the  springtime,  and 


266  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

like  the  twilight  of  the  setting  sun  in  the  harvest 
time.     When  he  touched  me  I  grew  still  within. 

JOANNA 

I  can  see  him  near  me  all  the  time  when  it  is 
night. 

MARY 

I  too  see  him  in  the  night.  When  he  spoke 
to  me  in  the  days  that  are  gone,  I  thought  of  far 
off  things,  as  if  there  were  other  happy  worlds; 
and  I  forgot  my  evil  deeds,  and  was  a  child  again, 
the  world  new-born  and  full  of  love.  Always 
when  I  saw  him  I  remembered  a  beautiful  dream 
I  had  when  I  was  a  child. 

JOANNA 

My  husband  says  I  must  not  think  of  him  too 
much.  He  says  it  is  not  good  to  think  of  him  too 
much. 

SALOME 

Come,  let  us  begin.  It  is  growing  lighter. 
How  will  we  push  away  the  stone? 

JOANNA 

I  am  afraid.  Let  us  wait  a  little.  I  can  still 
see  him  hanging  on  the  cross,  the  blood  dripping 
from  his  face.  [Startles.]  What  is  that  yon 
der? 


THE  RESURRECTION  267 

SALOME 
I  see  nothing. 

MARY 

{Going  forward  a  little. ~\  Is  not  some  one  in  a 
robe  of  white  sitting  by  the  tomb?  Is  not  some 
one  talking  in  a  low  voice  there  by  the  tomb  ? 

SALOME 
I  do  not  see  anyone. 

JOANNA 

Mary,  do  not  go  nearer.  Perhaps  it  will  come 
upon  you.  Perhaps  it  is  an  evil  spirit  that 
watches  near  the  dead  in  the  night. 

MARY 

[Approaching  the  tomb.]  I  think  it  is  a  good 
spirit.  I  can  not  understand  what  it  is  saying.  I 
am  trembling  too  much  to  understand. 

JOANNA 
Mary,  do  not  go  any  nearer. 

MARY 

I  cannot  see  it  now.  But  look!  The  stone 
has  been  thrown  from  the  door!  [Looking  into 
the  tomb.'}  I  cannot  see  him,  he  is  gone,  they 
have  taken  him  away !  [Sobs.~\  O,  they  have 
taken  away  him  I  love !  I  shall  never  see  him 
again ! 


268  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

JOANNA 

Come,  come,  let  us  not  stay  here!  Let  us  go 
home.  Perhaps  the  spirits  of  dead  men  that  were 
evil  have  taken  him  away. 

MARY 

Perhaps  he  in  a  white  robe  by  the  tomb  was 
telling  us  where  they  have  taken  him;  but  we 
with  dead  ears  could  not  understand. 

SALOME 

Come,  we  shall  go  back  and  tell  them  that  he 
is  gone. 

JOANNA 

No,  no,  we  will  not  tell  anybody.  I  am  afraid 
to  tell  anybody.  Come,  Mary!  Do  not  stay 
here  any  longer ! 

SALOME 

Come,  come,  Mary! 
[Both  women  hurry  off.'] 

MARY 

[Sobbing  by  the  tomb.']  O  Father,  tell  me 
where  they  have  laid  him !  .  .  . 

A  VOICE 
Mary. 

MARY 

Who  is  calling  me?     It  is  dark.     I  cannot  see. 
[Enter  Terreno.~\ 


THE  RESURRECTION  269 

TERRENO 
It  is  I,  Terreno. 

MARY 

They  have  taken  him  away. 

TERRENO 
Your  prophet? 

MARY 
Him  you  murdered. 

TERRENO 
I  am  a  soldier,  I  live  to  obey. 

MARY 
He  is  gone! 

TERRENO 

Mary,  I  have  searched  for  you  since  the  night 
before  last,  when  I  hastened  away  leaving  you 
alone  by  the  city  gate.  What  said  the  guards 
that  had  been  following  us  when  they  came  upon 
you? 

MARY 

They  dragged  me  forth,  and  the  next  day 
sought  to  stone  me  in  the  Temple,  for  sins  I  have 
been  guiltless  of  since  the  first  hour  I  saw  him  who 
told  me  of  the  love  of  God.  He  forbade  them  to 
stone  me,  and  none  dared  disobey  him.  Now  he 
is  dead!  He  is  gone!  I  cannot  find  him! 
[Sobs  again."} 


270  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 
Do  not  weep  any  more. 

MARY 

I  hear  a  noise  yonder. 
[A  pause.'] 

TERRENO 
I  do  not  hear  anything. 

MARY 

It  sounds  as  if  within  the  tomb. 

TERRENO 

It    is    above    the    tomb  —  only    an    idle    wind 
grumbling  in  the  trees. 

MARY 

I  hear  some  one  speaking.     Do  you  hear  any 
one? 

TERRENO 
I  do  not  hear  anyone  speaking. 

MARY 

Do  you  see  anyone  yonder? 

TERRENO 

I  do  not  see  anyone.     It  is  yet  too  dark  to  see 
very  far. 

MARY 
I  wish  it  were  light. 


THE  RESURRECTION  271 

TERRENO 

I  am  sure  it  is  no  one.  It  is  the  wind  in  the 
trees. 

MARY 

[Lifting  her  hands.']  O  Father,  art  thou  tell 
ing  me  where  he  lies?  Am  I  yet  too  sinful  to 
understand  thy  voice? 

TERRENO 

Magdalene,  forget  these  fevered  days.  You 
waste  your  youth  in  tears.  [Tries  to  take  her 
hand.] 

MARY 

O,  do  not  touch  me !  Your  hands  are  red  with 
blood.  Look  upon  your  hands.  Are  they  not 
still  red? 

TERRENO 

My  hands  are  clean.  I  laid  them  not  upon 
him.  He  was  not  a  son  of  your  God.  He  was 
not  Messias. 

MARY 
He  saved  me  from  sin. 

TERRENO 

He  could  do  nothing  for  himself.  How  could 
he  do  anything  for  another?  When  one  of  his 
followers  at  the  trial  bade  him  free  himself,  he 
could  do  nothing.  He  called  upon  your  God,  but 
your  God  did  not  listen  to  him.  One  act  by  a 


272  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

hand  from  the  sky,  and  Jerusalem  would  have 
fallen  at  his  feet.  But  there  was  nothing.  The 
sky  smiled  with  sunlight,  as  if  the  trial  had  been 
a  feast. 

MARY 

I  will  not  listen  to  you. 

TERRENO 

You  will  listen  to  me  till  I  have  finished.  Per 
haps  you  will  open  your  eyes.  A  man  standing 
by  the  cross  cried  out  so  that  all  the  people  could 
hear,  "  If  you  can  destroy  the  Temple  and  re 
build  it  in  three  days,  save  yourself.  If  you  are 
Messias,  come  down  from  the  cross."  And  all 
the  people  called  out  to  him,  bidding  him  come 
down,  and  they  would  believe  in  him.  But  he 
did  not  come  down.  A  scribe  cried  out  to  him, 
u  You  fool,  you  trusted  in  God.  Now  let  him 
set  you  free.  Did  you  not  say  you  are  the  son 
of  God?  Can  you  not  come  down  from  the 
cross?  "  All  the  people  scoffed  him  and  laughed 
at  him.  Even  one  of  the  thieves  hanging  by  his 
side  mocked  him  and  cursed  him. 

MARY 

O,  speak  no  more ! 

TERRENO 

Many  times  he  cried  out  with  his  eyes  fixed  on 
the  sky.  Each  time  the  people  broke  forth  with 


THE  RESURRECTION  273 

laughter  and  curses.  I  think  he  was  expecting 
your  God  to  come  down  and  help  him.  At  last 
he  saw  that  the  heavens  had  no  thought  of  him, 
and  he  cried  out,  "  My  God!  my  God!  why  hast 
thou  forsaken  me !  "  It  was  a  terrible  cry  of 
anguish.  I  never  had  heard  such  a  cry  of  an 
guish.  The  people  standing  almost  under  him 
and  around  him,  startled  and  moved  back;  and 
none  mocked  him  any  more.  He  was  dead.  I 
too  then  pitied  him. 

MARY 
\WeepingJ}     O,  speak  no  more! 

TERRENO 

Magdalene,  he  is  dead,  but  we  live.  We  will 
not  speak  of  him  again.  We  will  not  think  of 
him  again.  We  will  think  of  ourselves,  and 
sometime  you  and  I  will  drink  again  to  the  lees 
the  wine  of  the  cup  of  life. 

MARY 
No,  no! 

TERRENO 

Stop  weeping,  Magdalene.  Listen  to  me.  I 
have  bought  for  you  two  silver  anklets,  fastened 
together  with  a  chain  of  gold,  that  will  ring  like 
little  bells  when  you  walk.  You  have  seen  them 
on  the  ankles  of  the  daughters  of  rich  priests. 
In  Pisidia  I  have  heard  they  are  worn  on  the 


274  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

ankles  of  young  princesses  only.     No  one  else  is 
allowed  to  wear  them. 

MARY 

They  are  not  for  me.  .  .  . 

TERRENO 

Yes,  they  are  for  you.  You  shall  have  sandals 
from  Laodicea.  The  kind  that  have  gold  cords 
and  white  soles,  as  white  as  the  snow  that  Pilate 
puts  in  his  wine,  as  white  as  the  marble  that  the 
priests  walk  on  in  the  Inner  Temple.  But  when 
you  dance  for  me  you  will  take  off  the  sandals. 
Your  naked  feet  are  more  beautiful  than  sandals. 

MARY 
I  will  not  dance  again. 

TERRENO 
Yes,  yes,  you  will  dance  again. 

MARY 

Look  —  some  one  is  staring  at  us ! 

TERRENO 
Where? 

MARY 

Yonder. 

TERRENO 

It  is  nothing.  Listen  to  me.  Look  at  me 
while  I  am  talking  to  you.  .  .  .  You  shall  hang 


THE  RESURRECTION  275 

upon  yourself  a  veil  from  Arabia,  one  that  is  as 
thin  as  air,  and  the  color  of  one  that  Procula  lays 
over  her  breast  when  she  goes  forth  in  her  litter 
in  Caesarea  on  a  summer  morning.  You  shall 
look  like  a  young  princess.  Men  will  tremble  at 
your  beauty. 

MARY 
I  will  put  on  none  of  these  things.   .   .  . 

TERRENO 

Yes,  you  will  put  them  on.  And  I  have  a  gir 
dle  for  you.  It  has  a  clasp  of  carved  silver.  In 
the  center  is  an  eye  of  amethyst.  And  on  the 
nights  of  the  days  you  wear  it,  you  will  dream  of 
pleasant  things. 

MARY 
Why  this  rush  of  gifts? 

TERRENO 

You  are  changed,  Magdalene.  You  are  more 
beautiful  than  ever. 

MARY 

It  is  the  love  of  unearthly  things  he  whom  you 
murdered  taught  me.  I  am  dead  to  sin. 

TERRENO 

He  is  dead  that  came  between  us. 

MARY 
He  has  saved  me  from  sin.     But  they  have 


276  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

taken  him  away,  and  I  do  not  know  where  they 
have  laid  him.     O,  I  am  tired,  I  am  trembling! 

TERRENO 

Sit  here  and  rest.  I  too  pitied  him.  .  .  .  But 
let  us  not  speak  of  him  any  more.  Let  us  not 
think  of  him  any  more. 

[They  sit  on  a  stone  at  right.'] 

MARY 

[Starting  up.']  I  must  not  sit.  I  must  rise. 
I  hear  voices  calling  me  to  rise. 

TERRENO 

I  hear  nothing.  From  whence  the  voices  that 
are  calling  you? 

MARY 

Yonder  —  yonder  toward  the  breaking  day. 
They  are  calling  me.  I  can  hear  them.  Come, 
we  will  hunt  the  place  where  they  have  laid  him. 
Perhaps  it  is  he  that  is  calling  me.  Perhaps  he  is 
calling  from  the  tomb.  I  hear  a  voice  yonder  in 
the  tomb.  It  is  the  voice  of  a  dead  man  I  [Goes 
toward  the  tomb.] 

TERRENO 

[Following  her.]  It  is  the  sound  of  the  city 
waking  in  the  dawn.  You  are  stirred,  your 
words  are  wild.  Be  still  a  little. 


THE  RESURRECTION  277 

MARY 

[Looks  into  the  tomb  and  shrinks  back.~\ 
Some  one  is  sitting  within  —  some  one  dressed  in 
white  !  Look  within ! 

TERRENO 
I  can  see  no  one.      [Goes  inside  the  tomb.'] 

MARY 

See  you  anyone? 

TERRENO 

[Coming  out.~\  It  is  no  one.  It  is  the  white 
linen  that  wrapped  his  body,  tossed  into  a  corner. 

MARY 

Heard  you  no  speaking  within  —  no  whisper 
ing  of  unseen  lips? 

TERRENO 

There  is  no  one.  I  heard  nothing.  You 
tremble.  Sit  still  awhile.  [They  sit  again.'} 
You  are  changed,  Magdalene.  I  see  now  how 
changed  you  are.  I  would  be  as  tender  to  you  as 
the  memory  of  the  dead  that  are  loved.  .  .  . 

MARY 

O,  the  dead  that  are  loved!  They  are  more 
beautiful  than  anything  in  the  world. 

TERRENO 

Are  they  more  beautiful  than  the  red  of  yonder 
dawn? 


278  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

MARY 

It  is  terrible.  It  is  like  a  bloody  shield.  It 
is  like  a  shield  besmeared  with  the  blood  of  him 
who  is  dead,  whom  lonely  women  mourn.  It  is 
the  blood  of  Jesus  gathered  into  the  sky  to  shame 
Jerusalem  that  murdered  him.  Look,  is  it  not 
red  like  the  fresh  blood  of  something  that  men 
have  slaughtered? 

TERRENO 

You  rouse  yourself  too  much.  You  are  moved 
by  moods  as  leaves  by  passing  winds.  Have  no 
more  fear  of  me.  I  give  you  up.  I  know  that 
for  us  not  again.  .  .  . 

MARY 

Not  again. 

TERRENO 

You  thirst  for  love,  yet  you  turn  your  lips  away 
from  the  cup  of  love.  You  think  you  will  be  re 
warded  somewhere  hereafter,  in  some  other  world 
perhaps.  I  do  not  know  where  it  is  you  think 
you  will  be  rewarded.  .  .  . 

MARY 

[Pointing  upward.]      Yonder. 

TERRENO 

That  is  indefinite.  It  means  nothing.  Mag 
dalene,  listen  to  me.  There  will  be  no  drink  for 
them  that  thirsted  here,  and  then  lay  down  within 


THE  RESURRECTION  279 

the  earth.  Each  will  lie  with  parching  throat 
through  all  eternity.  In  the  sunken  garden  of 
death  there  is  no  blooming.  The  grapes  are 
withered.  They  yield  no  wine. 

MARY 

O,  it  is  terrible  to  lie  in  the  earth.  I  know  not 
who  will  give  drink.  But  there  will  be  drink  for 
them  that  thirst.  Jesus  hath  said  it.  [Starts 
up.~\  Look,  is  not  some  one  coming  toward  us  — 
there  ? 

TERRENO 
No  one  is  coming.     Sit  still. 

MARY 

I  wish  it  were  light.  I  cannot  see.  I  hear 
some  one  moving  in  the  dark. 

TERRENO 
It  is  the  wind. 

MARY 

Look,  is  not  some  one  holding  a  light  yonder  — 
a  light  that  flickers? 

TERRENO 

It  is  the  dawn  glistening  on  the  waving  leaves 
that  are  wet  with  dew.  It  is  no  one. 

MARY 

[Sits  again.']  I  saw  him  laid  in  the  tomb.  I 
know  he  is  dead,  yet  I  cannot  think  he  is  dead.  I 


280  JESUS:   A  PASSION  PLAY 

think  I  must  see  him  to-morrow  coming  on  the 
way.  I  think  I  must  again  hear  him  speaking  to 
the  people.  His  voice  —  O,  his  voice  was  soft! 
ft  was  like  the  voice  of  a  mother  pressing  her 
child  to  her  breast.  It  was  more  tender  than 
the  leaves  of  roses  that  the  winds  kiss  in  the 
summer  mornings. 

TERRENO 
He  is  dead.     Let  us  not  speak  of  him  any  more. 

MARY 

[Startled.]  Listen!  I  hear  the  piping  of  a 
shepherd's  reed.  How  can  that  be? 

TERRENO 

It  is  the  song  of  birds  that  are  waking  with 
the  breaking  day. 

MARY 
[Sobbing.]      O  Master,  Jesus,  where  art  thou? 

TERRENO 

[Drying  her  eyes  with  a  small  white  cloth.] 
Do  not  weep  any  more.  Your  face  is  hot  from 
many  tears. 

MARY 

[Taking  the  cloth  from  his  hand  and  looking 
at  it.]  This  has  blood  upon  it!  From  whence 
came  this  cloth? 


THE  RESURRECTION  281 

TERRENO 

I  carried  it  from  his  tomb.  It  was  lying  in  a 
corner. 

MARY 

[Rising.]  It  has  blood  upon  it!  It  is  his 
blood!  [Presses  the  cloth  to  her  lips.  Fran 
tically.']  Look,  ...  he  is  standing  by  the 
tomb  !  He  is  calling  me !  I  know  his  voice !  .  .  . 

TERRENO 
[Rising.]      I  hear  no  one,  nor  see  anyone. 

MARY 

[Going  forward.]  O  Master,  thou  art  calling 
me! 

TERRENO 

[Following  her.]  Come  back.  There  is  no 
one  by  the  tomb. 

MARY 

No,  no,  do  not  touch  me !  See  how  beautiful 
he  is!  His  face  is  like  the  sun  in  the  summer 
when  it  is  veiled  by  white  clouds!  I  know  his 
face! 

TERRENO 
No  one  is  calling  you. 

MARY 

Master,  Jesus,  it  is  thou !  Thou  hast  come  to 
me  again!  It  is  I,  Mary!  [Holding  up  the 
cloth.]  See,  thy  blood!  .  .  . 


282  JESUS:    A  PASSION  PLAY 

TERRENO 

[Trying  to  stop  her.}  To  whom  do  you  say 
this?  I  see  no  one. 

MARY 

[Repulsing  him  and  falling  to  her  knees. ,]  I 
will  touch  thy  garment,  O  I  will  touch  thy  gar 
ment!  [Crawling  frantically  forward.]  I  will 
touch  thy  feet!  O  Master,  there  is  blood  upon 
thy  feet  —  big  drops  of  blood!  Thy  feet  are 
red  with  blood !  I  will  touch  thy  feet,  I  will  kiss 
thy  feet !  Thou  art  speaking.  I  know  thy  voice ! 
Go  not  yet,  stay,  O  speak  again !  If  thou  goest 
I  will  follow  thee !  O  deny  me  not !  .  .  .  They 
sit  weeping  in  Jerusalem  !  I  will  tell  them !  O, 
I  will  run  to  them,  I  will  tell  them!  .  .  . 

TERRENO 

You  are  crying  out  like  a  mad  woman.  To 
whom  are  you  crying  out?  There  is  no  one  here 
but  ourselves. 

MARY 

[Rising.'}  Look  —  there  he  goes  past  the 
door  of  the  tomb!  [Rushing  out,  heard  calling.'} 
Peter,  John,  Joanna,  I  have  seen  him!  He  has 
come  out  of  the  tomb !  .  .  . 

CURTAIN. 


Other  Books  By  Max  Ehrmann 


The  Wife  of  Marobius.     $1.00 

The  finest  bit  of  dramatic  writing  yet  produced  in  America. 
— /.  William  Lloyd  in  The  New  Review,  New  York. 

In  The  Wife  of  Marobius  this  gifted  author  displays  his 
genius  in  a  new  and  brilliant  light.  The  play  has  a  dignity 
of  style,  a  notable  eloquence  of  expression,  and  a  dramatic 
intensity  that  are  tremendously  compelling. — Buffalo  Courier. 

The  Poems  of  Max  Ehrmann.     $1.00 

The  most  vivid,  impassioned,  unconventional  and  individual 
verse  of  recent  writing.  It  is  real  Stardust. — Pittsburg  Ga 
zette  Times. 

Unmistakable  power,  wonderful  originality  and  earnestness. 
— Kansas  City  Star. 

Breaking  Home  Ties.     75c. 

Every  young  man  should  read  this  book.  It  contains  a  sur 
prising  wealth  of  distilled  knowledge  of  the  world.  With 
rare  pathos  and  great  earnestness  these  vigorous  lines  depict 
the  experiences  and  trials  of  a  father  as  he  frankly  confesses 
his  errors,  that  his  son  may  profit  by  his  mistakes. — New 
York  American-. 

A  Prayer  and  Selections. 

Booklet,  Leatherette,  750.    Ooze  Leather,  $1.00. 

Strong  sermons,  graceful  and  ought  to  live. — Thomas 
Wentworth  Higginson. 

It  looks  to  me  as  if  Ehrmann  is  almost  the  greatest  poet  in 
America. — Elbert  Hubbard. 

A  prayer  has  simplicity,  majesty,  tenderness.  Parts  of  it 
are  worthy  to  be  graven  on  granite. — Edwin  Markham. 

Who  Entereth  Here  and  Prose-Poems. 

Booklet,  Leatherette,  750.    tOoze  Leather,  $1.00. 

Beautiful  enough  to  be  repeated  frequently  as  collects  are 
repeated  in  churches. — Brooklyn  Citizen. 

As  a  writer  of  philosophic  prose-poems,  rich  in  epigrams, 
Max  Ehrmann  is  a  master-craftsman.  He  has  no  living 
superior  and  indeed  very  few  equals. — Charleston  (S.  C.) 
News  Courier. 


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• 


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